O100 - Feasibility of embedding feedback from women participating in continuity of care experiences with pre-registration midwifery students

Abstract

Quality midwifery care is woman-centred in both philosophy and model of care (ICM, 2022). Assessment of midwifery student clinical learning has typically depended on preceptor/supervisor feedback, university academic feedback and self-reflection but has not routinely embedded women’s feedback to improve student learning and practice. One pre-registration midwifery program in south-east Queensland has begun to routinely seek feedback from women about their experiences with a midwifery student providing a continuity of care experience (CoCE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a routine, online survey of women’s perceptions of satisfaction and respect during CoCE with a midwifery student. Data from the first 12 months (July 2019 – July 2020) of this online survey was analysed and reported. The online survey was found to be feasible, reliable and valid. Over half of the women invited to complete the survey did so (response rate of 57%, n = 501). Most women reported being more satisfied with their student than they had hoped; would have a midwifery student in future pregnancies; and would recommend a midwifery student to their friends and family. Students in this study cared for a larger number of women through CoCE than the prescribed minimum of 10 required by the national regulator (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2022) (20 CoCE minimum in this BMid program). For each woman, the student provided more antenatal care, attendance at labour and birth and postnatal contacts than minimum program requirements. Women reported greater satisfaction and respect as the number of antenatal visits and postnatal contacts with their student increased. Similarly, women were more satisfied when their student attended their labour and birth. This presentation will discuss processes to routinely obtain women’s feedback (including ethical approval); survey content; approach to data analysis; findings and future directions.