Preparing midwifery students for traumatic workplace events: Findings from the POPPY (programme for the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder in midwifery) feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Midwifery students can experience events on clinical placements that they perceive to be traumatic. There is currently no requirement to provide training about the nature of trauma, normal responses, or the most helpful ways of self-managing these. The POPPY programme, developed for qualified midwives, incorporates educational (the POPPY workshop) and supportive resources to prevent the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in midwives. As part of the feasibility evaluation of POPPY, the POPPY workshop element was adapted for pre-registration midwifery students (PreR-POPPY). Attention to this issue during pre-registration education could improve student experience and support student retention. Objectives: To identify students' perspectives on the contents (clarity, understandability, organisation of the workshop, utility, relevance), their understanding of trauma and psychological responses, and confidence in recognising and managing early signs of distress following participation in a PreR-POPPY workshop. Perspectives on preferred timing in their midwifery programmes, and methods of delivery were also sought. Design: In keeping with educational evaluations, anonymous feedback was collected from students. Setting: Two higher education institutes. Participants: Midwifery undergraduate students on the three year or shortened programme for registered nurses (n= 131), and midwifery educators (n=5). Methods: Students participated in the workshop and provided feedback immediately. Midwifery educators participated in a meeting with the researchers to provide feedback. Results: High levels of satisfaction with the contents of the workshop were identified. Ninety-nine percent of students would recommend the workshop to other midwifery students. Provision of the workshop early in midwifery programmes, revisited at later points, was strongly endorsed. Learning outcomes were very positive for understanding trauma/ early stress responses, and recognising and managing early responses to trauma. Strong endorsement for the provision of the workshop was received from the midwifery educators. Conclusions: The pre-registration adapted POPPY workshop should be routinely provided in preregistration midwifery.

Perinatal stress events and burnout among midwives in Poland. The mediating role of self-efficacy

“…In the UK, the POPPY initiative (Programme for the Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Midwifery) has been implemented to prepare midwifery students and midwives for highly stressful events occurring in their work. The results confirm the effectiveness of the program: a reduction in burnout and absenteeism symptoms, more effective handling of trauma, and higher levels of job satisfaction (Slade et al, 2018;Spiby et al, 2018).…”

Secondary traumatic stress among midwifery students

“…Moreover, the risk of developing traumatic stress symptoms is particularly common among midwives frequently exposed to traumatic perinatal cases. 12,16,22,25 This study found that higher secondary traumatic stress scores were from midwifery students with a history of trauma or domestic violence. Other studies in the literature revealed similar results in which individuals with a history of trauma or domestic violence were more prone to developing posttraumatic stress disorder after they experienced some kind of traumatic event.…”

“…Another risk of secondary traumatic stress is the risk for midwives to change their profession. 15,16 It is imperative that midwifery students acquire good skills and a sufficient degree of knowledge during their university years. Minimizing traumatic processes in all births is extremely important not only for the mother and the baby but also for midwifery students.…”

“…According to some reports, they begin to feel defenseless and worn down due to the heavy emotional burden of their professional obligations. 5,12,15,16,21 In case midwives and midwifery students cannot cope with secondary stress effectively, negative impacts on their ability to care for women during childbirth may arise. This study was conducted to determine the extent and associated risk factors for developing secondary posttraumatic stress in a sample of midwifery students in Istanbul.…”

The Ethical Imperative of Self‐Care: A Call to Action

“…6,9 Some academic institutions have taken initiative with regard to fostering well-being among physician trainees, nursing trainees, and, outside of the United States, midwifery trainees. 25,26 On the institutional level, programs addressing health care providers' psychological needs after an adverse outcome have been introduced. Some settings also have programs promoting physician wellness.…”