Knowledge of US Midwifery Credentials Among Members of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

INTRODUCTION: Three midwifery credentials are granted in the United States: certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified midwife (CM), and certified professional midwife (CPM). Confusion about US midwifery credentials may restrict growth of the midwifery profession. This survey assessed American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) members' knowledge of US midwifery credentials. METHODS: ACNM members (N = 7551) were surveyed via email in 2017. The survey asked respondents to report demographic information and to identify correct statements about the education, certification, and scope of practice of CNMs, CMs, and CPMs. Responses to 17 items about all midwives certified in the United States, a 5-item subset specific to CNMs/CMs, and one item related to location of midwifery practice by credential were analyzed. RESULTS: Nearly a quarter of the membership (22.1%) responded to the survey. Higher scores on the survey indicated greater identification of correct statements about the education, certification, scope, and location of practice of CNMs, CMs, and CPMs. Significant differences in scores were found among ACNM members based on their level of education, degree of professional involvement in midwifery, and prior practice as a nurse. ACNM members with higher scores on the survey held a doctorate, worked in Region I, and had greater professional leadership involvement in midwifery organizations. Participants with less nursing experience prior to their midwifery education also scored significantly higher on the survey. DISCUSSION: Although two-thirds of respondents correctly answered items on the preparation, credentialing, and scope of practice of CNMs, CMs, and CPMs, a significant minority had gaps in knowledge. Results of this survey suggest the need for outreach about US midwifery credentials. Future research to replicate and expand upon this survey may benefit the profession of midwifery in the United States.

Virtual day of the midwife: a global 'pyjama party'.

The Virtual International Day of the Midwife (VIDM) (www.vidm.org) is an annual online conference designed to break down traditional barriers to continuing professional development (CPD); provide online opportunities for international midwifery networking; and model open access communication and collaboration practices. Whilst the VIDM is designed to reach midwives all around the world, issues of access to the Internet, language and cultural differences prevent some midwives from attending, especially those who live in resource-poor countries. Nevertheless, the VIDM has successfully demonstrated how CPD can be delivered to midwives in a flexible and cost-effective way, as well as bring them together in a truly global open and collaborative environment.

The end of an era? Midwifery conferences.

It has long been accepted that conferences are a useful mode of continuous professional development (CPD) (Russell 2010). Midwives welcome the chance to learn about recent practice developments, and the opportunity to network with each other in a face to face environment. However, barriers such as geographical isolation, time and financial constraints restrict midwives' ability to attend conferences (McIntosh 2007; Patterson and Davis 2007). At the same time, the effectiveness of conferences for CPD has been questioned (Guskey 2000). In these days of financial retrenchment, CPD has to be innovative and creative, offering ongoing support and learning in communities of practice that meet individual learning needs. The Virtual International Day of the Midwife (VIDM) is one such innovation. It is an annual 24 hour international synchronous online conference that celebrates the International Day of the Midwife on 5th May, and is freely open to all. Using the VIDM as a case study, this article discusses how online conferences may support and provide CPD for midwives.