Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Only recently did midwifery become a profession in Bangladesh. As such, sufficient quality education, both theory and practice, remains a challenge. In 2018, a context-specific accreditation assessment tool for affirming quality midwifery education was therefore developed and implemented. Objectives: To describe both the positive and negative aspects of the implementation of an accreditation process at midwifery education institutions in Bangladesh and to sketch out areas for possible improvement. Method: Forty focus group discussions were conducted with 276 policymakers, regulatory authorities and educators involved in midwifery education and services in Bangladesh. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used in a directed content analysis approach. Results: The accreditation assessment tool was developed using a participatory and consensus-building approach, building on existing policies, which resulted in the national ownership of its implementation. Staff from clinical sites were not included in the accreditation process; unless this changes, this will make it difficult for Bangladesh to achieve the set accreditation standards. The accreditation process has improved communication between the midwifery teaching institutions, policymakers and regulatory authorities. Educators started to visit the clinical sites more frequently. The planning process was complex and time-consuming, and emphasis was put on the importance of developing a plan of action for measuring improvements. Conclusion: In the move from the initial assessment of an accreditation process to its implementation, it is essential to make public the results found at all educational institutions. This encourages acceptance, while soliciting feedback and suggestions for future action. Only then can an accreditation process have an impact on the provision of high-quality midwifery education and services. This paper aims to encourage and guide other countries in their development, planning and implementation of a national accreditation process for midwifery education.
Highlights
Recently did midwifery become a profession in Bangladesh
One way to assure quality and accountability in midwifery education is through the implementation of a credible, comprehensive and effective accreditation system [8]. This is in line with the WHO’s global directives for strengthening nursing and midwifery [9], the Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030 [8], and the Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme that was recently developed by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) [10]
A qualitative research design was used. This is a useful approach, especially when little is known about a subject [21], in this case the positive and negative aspects related to the implementation of an accreditation process at midwifery education institutions in Bangladesh
Summary
Recently did midwifery become a profession in Bangladesh. As such, sufficient quality education, both theory and practice, remains a challenge. The 38 public nursing colleges/institutions that offer midwifery education in Bangladesh [6] need to further align their programmes so that the result is more coordinated midwifery education across the country and so that educational bodies and clinical practice sites receive the support they need This will ensure that students are well prepared for their future profession [7]. One way to assure quality and accountability in midwifery education is through the implementation of a credible, comprehensive and effective accreditation system [8] This is in line with the WHO’s global directives for strengthening nursing and midwifery [9], the Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030 [8], and the Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme that was recently developed by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) [10].
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