Abstract
Background
A clinical environment that provides meaningful and productive learning experiences
is essential for students of all health care professions. To support the learning
needs of undergraduate midwifery students and facilitate the continuity of care experiences
a student led clinic was established in one South East Queensland maternity unit.
Aim
This study explored the experiences and learning processes of previous and current
midwifery students undertaking clinical practice within a student led clinic.
Method
Qualitative descriptive. Ten students that elected to work in the midwifery student
led clinic were invited to participate in a one off digitally recorded face to face
or telephone interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data set. University
ethical approval was granted (NRS/17/15/HREC).
Findings
Findings suggest the student led clinic positioned students in the ‘driver’s seat’.
Overwhelmingly students described the clinic as providing them with an array of opportunities
to ‘lead’ care rather than being forced to ‘sit and watch’. Students believed the
experience of working in the clinic increased their midwifery knowledge, skills, confidence,
critical thinking, and the ability to advocate for and empower women.
Conclusion
High quality and supportive clinical teaching and learning experiences are vital for
ensuring the student midwife develops into a competent practitioner who is fit for
registration. The evidence from this small study highlights the benefits afforded
to students of working in partnership not only with pregnant women but also with their
university midwifery lecturer. The student’s continuity of care learning experiences
appeared to foster and cultivate their capability, identity, purpose, resourcefulness
and connection; all the five senses of success.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 18, 2019
Accepted:
December 3,
2019
Received in revised form:
December 3,
2019
Received:
September 13,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
