Tertiary education regarding stillbirth for student midwives: The tears 4 SMS project

Publication date: Available online 7 August 2018

Source: Women and Birth

Author(s): Jane Warland, Pauline Glover

Abstract

Problem

Undergraduate education for midwives in the area of stillbirth may be lacking.

Background

When a baby dies the families are usually cared for, at some stage in their pregnancy or birth journey, by midwives, however, midwives may not be adequately prepared to care for them.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the current content of stillbirth education in undergraduate midwifery curricula in Australia.

Methods

Nineteen midwifery program leaders from each of the Australian Universities that deliver undergraduate midwifery education were invited to respond to an online survey regarding content related to stillbirth risk, prevention and/or bereavement care.

There were 10 complete surveys. Quantitative survey data were analysed and described using percentages, and data from the free text comments collected verbatim.

Findings

Responses indicated that there is a diverse inclusion of material relating to the topic of stillbirth, with different approaches to teaching the content and the amount of time devoted to the topic is relatively small.

Discussion

This small study in scoping curricula from participating Australian Universities indicated that more could be done to strengthen stillbirth related content. Stillbirth is a complex issue and therefore it is important for midwives to understand not only bereavement care but also the physiological underpinnings of issues that could be an antecedent cause or precursor for stillbirth.

Conclusion

There is room to improve and standardise appropriate stillbirth curriculum nationally. It is imperative that midwives are able to provide sensitive and knowledgeable care to all women and their families.

https://ift.tt/2vUjNHl