Factors affecting integration of midwifery nursing science theory with clinical practice in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province as perceived by professional midwives.

Thivhulawi Malwela,Rachel T Lebese,Sonto M Maputle

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v8i2.997

Thivhulawi Malwela, Rachel T Lebese + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v8i2.997

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Abstract

BackgroundProfessional midwives have an important role to play in midwifery training to produce a competent midwife. According to the social learning theory, professional midwives act as role models for students. When allocated for clinical learning experiences in the training hospitals, students will have the opportunity to observe the well-trained, skilled, and experienced professional midwives. The whole process will enable students to integrate theory with practice and they will become competent.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting integration of midwifery nursing science theory with clinical practice as perceived by midwives.SettingThe study was conducted at the training hospitals in Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. These hospitals were: Donald Fraser, Siloam, and Tshidzini.MethodsA qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used. A Non-probability, convenient sampling method was used to select 11 midwives from the following hospitals: Donald Fraser, Siloam, and Tshidzini, in Vhembe district. In-depth individual interviews were conducted. Data were analysed through open coding method.ResultOne theme and five sub-themes emerged from the analysed data, namely: shortage of midwives, attitudes towards student midwives, reluctance to perform teaching functions, language barriers, and declining midwifery practice standards.ConclusionShortage of midwives in the clinical areas led to fewer numbers of mentors whom the students could observe and imitate to acquire clinical skills. Some of the midwives were reluctant to teach students. Recommendations were made for both training institutions and hospitals to employ preceptors for students in the clinical practical.

Highlights

Professional midwives have an important role to play in midwifery training to produce a competent midwife
The population consisted of all professional midwives who are allocated in labour wards of the training hospitals in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province
The theme that emerged from data analysis was perceived factors that contribute to poor integration of midwifery nursing science theory with clinical practice

Summary

Introduction

Professional midwives have an important role to play in midwifery training to produce a competent midwife. During midwifery training students are taught theory and practice. Fitzgerald et al.[1] pointed out that clinical skills underpin midwives’ professional practice, and students need effective opportunities to learn, develop, and master skills related to the theory. The clinical team should appropriately manage allocations and the workload of team members to assist learning, guide established needs of students, and facilitate the requisite learning.[2] The whole process will enable students to integrate theory with practice and they will become competent.[3] Professional midwives have the responsibility to create a psychological climate which is conducive to learning and this will automatically create a safe physical environment for learning.[4] The safe learning environment will benefit both the student and patient, and will enhance the development of a student to become a safe and accountable practitioner who will add value to the health care service delivery.[5] The professional midwife needs to allow students to participate actively and enhance professional socialisation, delegate to the students some responsibilities under supervision, and not take all students as irresponsible.[5] The professional midwife needs to guide students on the procedures in which they are not yet competent; this support http://www.phcfm.org.

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