‘Keeping birth normal’: Exploratory evaluation of a training package for midwives in an inner-city, alongside midwifery unit

Abstract

a review of evidence, local statistics and practical skills using active educational approaches was important to this training. Two factors not directly related to content appeared equally important: catalysing a community of practice and the perceived power of workshop leaders to influence organisational systems limiting the agency of individual midwives. Cyclic, interactive training involving consultant midwives, senior midwives and the multidisciplinary team may be recommended to be most effective.

A postgraduate Optimum Birth module to increase midwives’ readiness to work in midwifery‐led settings: A mixed‐methods evaluation

“…1,9,12 Confidence improved after the module as all except one participant reported good or excellent self-confidence. 1,9,12 Confidence improved after the module as all except one participant reported good or excellent self-confidence.…”

“…20 Qualitative comments alluded to increased self-confidence in challenging staff that were not perceived as working in an evidence-based manner. 1,9 It may be that confidence needs to be built in the area of acceptance of accountability for decisions made during labor and birth in the Optimum Birth context. 1,21 Barriers identified by midwives in this study are in line with previous research.…”

“…7 Such settings include midwifery units (also called birth centers), which can be freestanding or located alongside obstetric units. 9 Training is also important to ensure this transition is safe, and training was included in the top five priorities for improvement to enhance the safety of maternity services. 8 At a time of unprecedented plans to shift away from obstetric units toward midwifery-led settings, additional training is required to ensure that all staff are prepared for this shift.…”

“…8 At a time of unprecedented plans to shift away from obstetric units toward midwifery-led settings, additional training is required to ensure that all staff are prepared for this shift. 9,11,12 Previous research highlights the need for specific training to enhance staff readiness to work in midwifery-led settings and to improve outcomes and experiences when transfer to an obstetric unit is needed. 10 Midwives' exposure to physiological birth and midwifery-led settings accounts for a small proportion of their training, and many midwives do not feel ready to work outside an obstetric unit.…”

“…10 Midwives' exposure to physiological birth and midwifery-led settings accounts for a small proportion of their training, and many midwives do not feel ready to work outside an obstetric unit. 9,11,12 Previous research highlights the need for specific training to enhance staff readiness to work in midwifery-led settings and to improve outcomes and experiences when transfer to an obstetric unit is needed. 11,13 To meet this need, a staff development strategy was created as part of a National Institute for Health Researchfunded case study on how to implement NICE birthplace recommendations.…”