“I hope to feel part of something bigger than my immediate world…”; the values and attitudes that motivate participation in a virtual international midwifery student experience

IF 4.4 2区医学 Q1 NURSING

Women and Birth Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.wombi.2025.101883

Theresa M. Harvey , Heather J. Wallace

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Problem

As ethnic and cultural diversity of societies increases, healthcare professionals are required to provide culturally appropriate care for the communities they serve.

Background

One way to prepare midwifery students for the diverse settings and women they will care for, is to provide short-term international study experience opportunities, to nurture the development of cultural sensitivity and humility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher education industry was challenged to identify innovative ways to develop student’s cultural competences, without international travel. A midwifery virtual study program was an innovative way to provide an international experience for students while borders were closed. Research on impacts of virtual short-term international study experiences and midwifery students’ motivation to participate is sparce.

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of what motivates midwifery students to participate in a virtual short-term international study experience.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative design using reflective thematic analysis to analyse students’ written journal entries and reflections.

Findings

An overarching theme of ‘Develop compassion’ was identified, underpinned by three sub themes, ‘Deepening understanding and knowledge’, ‘Expanding cultural identify and attitudes’, and ‘strengthening professional self’.

Discussion and Conclusion

Students’ motivation to participate in a virtual short-term international study experience included aspects of improving and enhancing their developing professional self, including compassion, in anticipation of supporting their career progression and the effectiveness of the care they deliver. The findings are relevant for academics and administrators involved in study abroad programs for ongoing improvement of quality cultural learning opportunities for health discipline students.

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来源期刊

Women and Birth NURSING-OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

13.20%

发文量

371

审稿时长

27 days

期刊介绍： Women and Birth is the official journal of the Australian College of Midwives (ACM). It is a midwifery journal that publishes on all matters that affect women and birth, from pre-conceptual counselling, through pregnancy, birth, and the first six weeks postnatal. All papers accepted will draw from and contribute to the relevant contemporary research, policy and/or theoretical literature. We seek research papers, quality assurances papers (with ethical approval) discussion papers, clinical practice papers, case studies and original literature reviews. Our women-centred focus is inclusive of the family, fetus and newborn, both well and sick, and covers both healthy and complex pregnancies and births. The journal seeks papers that take a woman-centred focus on maternity services, epidemiology, primary health care, reproductive psycho/physiology, midwifery practice, theory, research, education, management and leadership. We also seek relevant papers on maternal mental health and neonatal well-being, natural and complementary therapies, local, national and international policy, management, politics, economics and societal and cultural issues as they affect childbearing women and their families. Topics may include, where appropriate, neonatal care, child and family health, women’s health, related to pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, including lactation. Interprofessional papers relevant to midwifery are welcome. Articles are double blind peer-reviewed, primarily by experts in the field of the submitted work.