Feasibility of a novel framework to routinely survey women online about their continuity of care experiences with midwifery students

Abstract

AimThis study describes a novel framework used to evaluate the feasibility of an online survey to routinely collect women’s feedback about their continuity of care experiences with Bachelor of Midwifery students during the clinical practicum. BackgroundThe extent to which secure online platforms can efficiently distribute surveys and collect routine feedback from women receiving continuity of midwifery care experiences by Bachelor of Midwifery students needs to be effectively assessed and evaluated. MethodsUsing a co-design approach, the teaching team, program software developers, information technology and cybersecurity experts, students, consumers and clinical placement officers were consulted in development of survey content and processes. ResultsA novel framework for evaluating online surveys was developed with a focus on survey content, processes, web technology and outcomes. ConclusionsThe online survey was found to be reliable, valid, reproducible, efficient and easy to access by women with a response rate of 56% achieved. Only 0.4% of surveys were opened and not completed. Accuracy of electronic addresses was increased by adding two text-match fields in the consent form and sending a confirmation email when first completed. Application of this novel framework is recommended when developing and evaluating online surveys for educational and research purposes.