Challenges of clinical learning for student midwives

Area of Science:

• Midwifery Education
• Clinical Skills Acquisition
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Effective clinical skills acquisition is crucial for student midwives.
• Identifying factors influencing learning is essential for improving midwifery education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors affecting the learning of clinical skills by student midwives.
• To understand the challenges faced by student midwives in developing clinical competency.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic, grounded theory approach.
• Data collected through observation and interviews in a large urban maternity hospital.
• Participants included student midwives, midwives, midwifery managers, and teachers.

Main Results:

• Students utilized observation, indirect learning, and trial-and-error to gain skills.
• Anxiety, stemming from inadequate instruction, supervision, and communication, impeded learning.
• Students reported feeling ill-prepared to function independently as midwives.

Conclusions:

• Clinical midwives require enhanced education to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Midwifery educators should refresh their clinical experience to better support students.
• Addressing anxiety and improving communication are vital for effective clinical skill development.