Evidencing student midwives learning needs and subsequent curricula development needs

Despite advances in maternal health and midwifery care, high rates of postnatal morbidity prevail, including those associated with the genital tract; perineal morbidity and complications of bleeding and uterine infection (Marchant, Alexander and Garcia 2002; Bick, MacArthur and Winter 2009; East et al 2011). Therefore the assessment and prompt identification and treatment of postnatal genital tract health are a maternal health priority (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) 2012; Knight et al on behalf of MBBRACE-UK 2014). However concerns have been expressed regarding the exposure, experience and skill development of student midwives concerning postnatal care, with national reports identifying the midwifery curriculum as overcrowded, resulting in curriculum deficits (Fraser, Avis & Mallik 2010; Skirton et al 2012). Student midwives, who responded to the RCM national survey in 2011, suggested a “low point” of their midwifery pre-registration programme was “lack of postnatal experience” (RCM 2011 p.2). The presentation will discuss a research project which explores the learning opportunities and experiences of student midwives as they develop professional knowledge and skills regarding maternal postnatal assessment. The discussion will explore the authors’ application of the case study approach as a means to identify data to evidence the student midwives learning opportunities and experiences. Methods of data collection and project evaluation include;- • Survey • Review of programme documentary evidence • In depth semi structured narrative interviews • A collaborative student midwife / researcher data analysis workshop The intended impact of the research project is to enhance student midwives’ opportunities and experiences of postnatal assessment skills within the midwifery preregistration curricula. The project findings will inform the planned curricula and development of the midwifery programmes. The presentation will discuss data transformation, potential impacts and the feedback from the students who engaged in the research activity