Mentoring is a feature of most professional education programmes, although its purpose may vary. In some cases, a mentor performs solely a supporting role, while in others it may include assessment of practice competence. The aim of this study was to explore and prioritize the needs of midwifery mentors and investigate any relationship between these and duration of experience and/or level of qualification. A two-stage cross-sectional correlational study of 82 mentors was carried out in a maternity unit in the southwest of England. Content, univariate and bivariate analysis of the data were performed. The focus group identified 15 needs which formed the basis of the subsequent questionnaire. Overall ranking showed that 'guidance' and 'frequent shifts' were important to all mentors. Of least importance were 'choice in allocation' and 'involvement in selection' . Statistically significant findings emerged relating to mentors' academic level of qualification, background of direct entry or Registered Nurse, length of experience and place of work. The programme followed by the students also had an impact. Some of the conclusions were that mentors need more overt recognition of their role, breaks between students and consideration of their area of work and the type of student allocated. Tutors need to offer increased availability, support, guidance and feedback. Students should have frequent shifts rostered with their mentor and be encouraged to provide feedback. A 'mentor pyramid of needs' was developed which could be used by educators and managers to audit and prioritize mentor support. The findings of the study are of particular relevance in the context of recent regulatory body standards.
An extensive literature search was conducted into the subject of fetal activity and maternal monitoring techniques. During the past three decades much research has been performed in response to the identification of an ‘alarm signal’ of reduced fetal activity preceding death. Various methods of maternal counting have been attempted and it has been concluded that routine monitoring is not cost-effective. Technological advances have enabled detailed observational studies of fetal activity and maternal perception. Various physical and psychological factors appear to influence the latter. Evidence shows that fetal activity varies between individuals and according to gestation. It is suggested that fetuses undergo a continuum of development, and patterns and types of movement change as they mature. Certain substances such as tobacco smoke, drugs, alcohol and caffeine have been shown to affect movements. Contrary to earlier beliefs, maternal glucose levels are unrelated. It is concluded that updated evidence needs to be incorporated into clinical practice and education of both mothers and professionals in order to improve assessment of fetal wellbeing.
Variable and overmedicalized policies regarding the identification, assessment and monitoring of reduced fetal movements were recently questioned. Evidence was acquired through an extensive literature search, information from other units and a 3-month local audit. Audit findings indicated great variances in maternal perception, with links to changing gestation and fetal and placental positions. Greatest fetal activity occurred at night. Women reported concerns over a wide range of times, and appeared to be receiving inconsistent advice, resulting in increased anxieties. Technological tests were being over-relied upon and inappropriately used. The vast majority of women were noted to have normal movements and pregnancies following assessment. It was concluded that improved education of mothers and professionals was required to more appropriately identify a reduction in movements. An information leaflet was designed, and the Cardiff chart updated and modified. A low-key, individualized protocol for assessment and monitoring was devised and implemented.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.