Abstract
Background
The dynamics of maternal and newborn care challenge midwifery education programs to
keep up-to-date. To prepare for their professional role in a changing world, role
models are important agents for student learning.
Objective
To explore the ways in which Dutch and Icelandic midwifery students identify role
models in contemporary midwifery education.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive, qualitative study between August 2017 and October 2018.
In the Netherlands, 27 students participated in four focus groups and a further eight
in individual interviews. In Iceland, five students participated in one focus group
and a further four in individual interviews. All students had clinical experience
in primary care and hospital. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results
During their education, midwifery students identify people with attitudes and behaviors
they appreciate. Students assimilate these attitudes and behaviors into a role model
that represents their ‘ideal midwife’, who they can aspire to during their education.
Positive role models portrayed woman-centered care, while students identified that
negative role models displayed behaviors not fitting with good care. Students emphasized
that they learnt not only by doing, they found storytelling and observing important
aspects of role modelling. Students acknowledged the impact of positive midwifery
role models on their trust in physiological childbirth and future style of practice.
Conclusion
Role models contribute to the development of students’ skills, attitudes, behaviors,
identity as midwife and trust in physiological childbirth. More explicit and critical
attention to how and what students learn from role models can enrich the education
program.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 12, 2019
Accepted:
August 24,
2019
Received in revised form:
August 23,
2019
Received:
March 26,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
