African midwifery students' self-assessed confidence in postnatal and newborn care: A multi-country survey.

BACKGROUND: Majority of maternal and new-born deaths occur within 28 hours and one week after birth. These can be prevented by well-educated midwives. Confidence in postnatal and newborn care skills depend on the quality of midwifery education. OBJECTIVE: To assess confidence and its associated factors for basic postnatal and new-born care skills of final year midwifery students , from seven African countries. METHODS: A multi-country cross-sectional study where final year midwifery students answered a questionnaire consisting of basic skills of postnatal and newborn care listed by the International Confederation of Midwives. The postnatal care area had 16 and newborn care area had 19 skill statements. The 16 skills of postnatal care were grouped into three domains through principle component analysis (PCA); Basic postnatal care; postnatal complications and educating parents and documentation. The 19 skills under the newborn care area were grouped into three domains; Basic care and care for newborn complications; Support parents for newborn care; and Care for newborns of HIV positive mothers and documentation. RESULTS: In total 1408 midwifery students from seven Sub-Saharan countries participated in the study namely; Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Somaliland Overall high confidence for all domains under Post Natal Care ranged from 30%-50% and for Newborn care from 39-55%. High confidence for postnatal skills was not found to be associated with any background variables (Age, sex, type and level of educational programme). High confidence for newborn care was associated with being female students, those aged 26-35 years, students from the direct entry programmes and those enrolled in diploma programmes. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the study participants expressed lack of confidence for skills under postnatal and newborn care. No association was found between high confidence for domains of postnatal care and background variables. High confidence was associated with being a female, between 26-35 years of age, from direct entry or diploma programmes for newborn care area. The results of the study indicate gaps in midwifery education. Countries could use the ICM list of competencies to develop country specific standards for midwifery education. However, actual competence remains to be measured.

Developing confidence during midwifery training: The experience of Swedish final year students.

OBJECTIVES: Confidence is essential in performing midwifery care since the profession places great demands on the ability to work independently with a scientific approach and professional responsibility. Clinical training is extensive during midwifery education and is essential for the development of midwifery student's confidence and competence. The aim of the study was to describe the factors that increased and decreased confidence for midwifery students in clinical practice. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative design was used. Data was collected by a questionnaire that measured Swedish students' self-reported assessment of selected midwifery competencies. Two open questions gave the students the possibility to comment on what affected confidence during clinical practice. There were 401 comments analyzed by manifest content analysis. RESULTS: Five categories described the experience of the students. Supervision during clinical training and the relationship with the midwives were most important factors for developing confidence. Further, to be theoretically and practically prepared before entering clinical practice. Regardless of activity the environment has to be learning and give time for reflection. Personal factors could affect professional confidence but above all it takes time to learn and practice midwifery. Factors that decreased confidence were stressed and uninterested supervisors. Patronizing attitudes towards students and the fear of doing something wrong also decreased confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors contributes to enhance confidence among midwifery students in clinical training. The most important factor was supervision and the role as supervisor must be emphasized and sufficient time must be allocated to supervising midwives for them to fulfil their commitment.

African midwifery students' self-assessed confidence in antenatal care: a multi-country study.

Background: Evidence-based antenatal care is one cornerstone in Safe Motherhood and educated and confident midwives remain to be optimal caregivers in Africa. Confidence in antenatal midwifery skills is important and could differ depending on the provision of education among the training institutions across Africa.Objective: The aim of the study was to describe and compare midwifery students' confidence in basic antenatal skills, in relation to age, sex, program type and level of program.Methods: A survey in seven sub-Saharan African countries was conducted. Enrolled midwifery students from selected midwifery institutions in each country presented selfreported data on confidence to provide antenatal care. Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 22 antenatal skills based on the competency framework from the International Confederation of Midwives. The skills were grouped into three domains; Identify fetal and maternal risk factors and educate parents; Manage and document emergent complications and Physical assessment and nutrition.Results: In total, 1407 midwifery students from seven Sub-Saharan countries responded. Almost one third (25-32%) of the students reported high levels of confidence in all three domains. Direct entry programs were associated with higher levels of confidence in all three domains, compared to post-nursing and double degree programs. Students enrolled at education with diploma level presented with high levels of confidence in two out of three domains.Conclusions: A significant proportion of student midwives rated themselves low on confidence to provide ANC. Midwifery students enrolled in direct entry programs reported higher levels of confidence in all domains. It is important that local governments develop education standards, based on recommendations from the International Confederation of midwives. Further research is needed for the evaluation of actual competence.

Factors influencing decision-making for caesarean section in Sweden - a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Rising rates of caesarean section (CS) are a concern in many countries, yet Sweden has managed to maintain low CS rates. Exploring the multifactorial and complex reasons behind the rising trend in CS has become an important goal for health professionals. The aim of the study was to explore Swedish obstetricians' and midwives' perceptions of the factors influencing decision-making for CS in nulliparous women in Sweden. METHODS: A qualitative design was chosen to gain in-depth understanding of the factors influencing the decision-making process for CS. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Four audio-recorded focus group interviews (FGIs), using an interview guide with open ended questions, were conducted with eleven midwives and five obstetricians from two selected Swedish maternity hospitals after obtaining written consent from each participant. Data were managed using NVivo© and thematically analysed. Ethical approval was granted by Trinity College Dublin. RESULTS: The thematic analysis resulted in three main themes; 'Belief in normal birth - a cultural perspective'; 'Clarity and consistency - a system perspective' and 'Obstetrician makes the final decision, but...', and each theme contained a number of subthemes. However, 'Belief in normal birth' emerged as the core central theme, overarching the other two themes. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that believing that normal birth offers women and babies the best possible outcome contributes to having and maintaining a low CS rate. Both midwives and obstetricians agreed that having a shared belief (in normal birth), a common goal (of achieving normal birth) and providing mainly midwife-led care within a 'team approach' helped them achieve their goal and keep their CS rate low.

Professional confidence among Swedish final year midwifery students - A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Previous international studies have shown that midwifery students do not feel confident in many areas where they are supposed to practice independently. The knowledge about Swedish midwifery students' confidence is fairly under investigated. The purpose of the present study was to explore final years' midwifery students' professional confidence in basic midwifery skills according to ICM competencies and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey where all midwifery programs in Sweden were invited to participate. Data was collected by a questionnaire that measured midwifery students self-reported assessment of confidence against four selected domains of ICM competencies; antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and new-born care. RESULT: The main findings of this study showed that Swedish midwifery students were confident in managing normal pregnancy, labour and birth. Midwifery students at a school with a medical faculty were more confident in handling obstetric emergency situations. Some background variables were also associated with confidence. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted some midwifery skills that needs further training and reflection. More training and developing confidence in complicated and emergency situations are needed. There seem to be a need of midwifery education reforms if we believe that high levels of confidence at the time of graduation is equal to competent and skilled midwives in the future.

Developing competence and confidence in midwifery-focus groups with Swedish midwives.

BACKGROUND: Midwives have a significant impact on the clinical outcome and the birthing experience of women. However, there has been a lack of research focusing specifically on clinical midwives' learning and development of professional competence. AIM: The objective of the study was to describe how midwives reflect on learning and the development of professional competence and confidence. METHODS: A qualitative study based on focus groups with midwives employed in maternity services. FINDINGS: Four categories describe the results: (1) Feelings of professional safety evolve over time; (2) Personal qualities affect professional development; (3) Methods for expanding knowledge and competence; and (4) Competence as developing and demanding. The meaning of competence is to feel safe and secure in their professional role. There was a link between the amount of hands-on intrapartum experience and increasing confidence that is, assisting many births made midwives feel confident. Internal rotation was disliked because the midwives felt they had less time to deepen their knowledge and develop competence in a particular field. The midwives felt they were not seen as individuals, and this system made them feel split between different assignments. DISCUSSION: External factors that contribute to the development of knowledge and competence include the ability to practise hands-on skills in an organisation that is supportive and non-threatening. Internal factors include confidence, self-efficacy, and a curiosity for learning. CONCLUSIONS: Midwives working within an organisation should be supported to develop their professional role in order to become knowledgeable, competent and confident.