An evaluation of the midwifery Pre-Qualifying Skills Passport in Wales

Abstract

Background Standards for pre-registration midwifery education are being reviewed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. In Wales a pre-qualifying skills passport (PQSP) has been in use for almost 5 years, and is designed to give midwives a chance to acquire key skills before they qualify. Aim This article presents the findings from a recent review of the Welsh PQSP. Methods Questionnaires were sent out to mentors, newly qualified midwives, midwifery lecturers and midwifery managers. Completed questionnaires were received from 167 users. Findings The PQSP helped mentors and students to know what is expected of newly qualified midwives, led to improved opportunities for vital skills acquisition and was easy to use in busy practice settings. It integrated knowledge with skills and it helped to learn skills step-by-step. There was also interest in adding further skills to the PQSP. Conclusions These findings are a positive foundation for future education standards and could be developed as a continuing professional development tool for a midwife's entire career.