A scoping study to explore the application and impact of grading practice in pre-registration midwifery programmes across the United Kingdom

Core principles to reduce current variations that exist in grading of midwifery practice in the United Kingdom

“…In the first phase of this study the LME-UK group was overall positive about the impact of grading on degree classification, as this demonstrated that practice was valued (Anonymised, 2016). Various 'moderating influences' had been introduced in midwifery programmes to ameliorate this effect.…”

“…The first phase of the national study identified a wide range of interpretation and application of regulatory body standards for practice assessment in pre-registration midwifery programmes (Anonymised, 2016). This second phase therefore sought to enhance consistency, particularly focusing on the grading element of the process.…”

“…The first phase of this national study highlighted that grading appeared to empower sign-off mentors to more effectively determine fitness to progress or enter the register as a midwife (Anonymised, 2016). Their increased confidence in the grading process enabled them to exercise discretion in using the full range of marks to either reward excellence or identify failing students.…”

“…The first phase comprised a scoping study which explored the interpretation and application of the United Kingdom (UK) regulatory body standards, particularly focusing on grading of practice (Anonymised, 2016). A wide range of interpretation leading to a variety of approaches was evident in this earlier phase, raising concerns about reliability and equity of practice assessment in programmes leading to registration as a midwife.…”

“…The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2009) Stage one: The findings from the first phase of the study (Anonymised, 2016), in which a wide range of interpretation and application of the NMC standards had been demonstrated, were initially shared and discussed with LMEs at one of their meetings. This resulted in development of 12 draft statements (Tables 1-4) which were designed to capture what appeared to have been positive aspects and address variations.…”