Perception and experiences of midwives regarding BSN and BScM degree Programs

Abstract

Background: Midwifery education varies globally; it has undergone unparalleled alteration over the last decades concerning academic and clinical content. The present study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of two significant midwifery cadres programs concerning their training programme and its influence on their academic & clinical performance.

Methodology: A mixed methods research design was used to collect data from midwives working in various healthcare facilities of Pakistan. For quantitative analysis, the included participants were divided into two groups; group A included those having a bachelor's degree in midwifery (BScM), while group B comprised certified nurse-midwives with BSN degree and community midwife diploma. The data was collected using a questionnaire constructed internally to establish participants' perceptions regarding skills learned and the level of competence achieved through the educational program attended. The qualitative data was collected through a focus group discussion, intended to reveal the in-depth dynamics of midwifery education. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, while thematic analysis was carried out for qualitative data.

Results: There was a significant difference in the training sessions attended by the midwives of both groups, all the midwives of group A had attended clinical training sessions and skill lab training, while in group B, only 66.10% had attended skill lab training. Furthermore, group A participants have shown a better academic understanding of reproductive health; family planning; pregnancy, labour, and delivery; neonatal care; and the moral and legal principles involved in the practice of midwifery as compared to group B. Lack of infrastructure, clinical environment, compromised quality and number of training sessions were identified as the major barriers in the clinical learning environment.

Conclusion: It is apparent that there are positive gains for midwives who undertake midwifery program (BScM) at the undergraduate level related to professional and personal qualities which may provide direct benefit to patients. Furthermore, government, training institutes and hospitals need to work together in order to tackle resource-related issues.