KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF STUDENT MIDWIVES TOWARDS CLINICAL LEARNING AT MIDWIFERY TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

According to Fullerton, Thompson and Johnson (2013) Midwifery competence is the intended outcome of a program of midwifery studies. It is the preparation of a clinical practitioner to acquire a combination of knowledge, professional behaviour, competency in the context of midwifery education and practice (World Health Organization, 2013). The performance of student midwives on clinical assessments at midwifery training institutions is declining as from 2011 to date. Statistics from the registers of the midwifery training school show a decline in clinical assessments (8% - 56%). The researchers carried out a preliminary study of forty finalist student midwives using a pre-tested questionnaire. As a result the pattern of poor performance on clinical assessments was the same in most midwifery schools. It is envisioned that the results of the study will benefit the nation at large through the provision of effective and efficient quality midwifery care by knowledgeable and competent midwives. A qualitative research was carried out where a questionnaire was administered to forty (40) finalist student midwives. Findings revealed that there was a shortage of staff to mentor and supervise students during clinical placement and there were few opportunities to update knowledge and skills in order to prepare for clinical teaching as a result mentors fail to supervise students on procedures. What emerged from the study again was that the number of student midwives and the requirements for each student are overwhelming, compromising clinical learning.  (234 words).