Student-led midwifery clinics as an innovative practice placement model: A mixed method evaluation

AIM: Explore the experiences of pre-registration midwifery students undertaking midwifery practice experience within a university facilitated student-led midwifery clinic and compare their experiences with students within traditional placement models. BACKGROUND: Availability of midwifery placements and current student attrition limits the ability to increase midwifery graduates. To retain and prepare students for their future role as midwives, students require high quality and positive midwifery practice experiences. DESIGN: Mixed method descriptive design including a cross-sectional survey and focus group. METHODS: Midwifery students (n = 146) attending one South East Queensland University in Australia were invited to participate and complete the Clinical Practice Environment scale of the Midwifery Students' Experience of Practice tool (MidSTEP). Results were compared between students who completed placement in a traditional model and those who experienced placement in a student-led clinic. In addition, a focus group was held with seven of the 14 students that experienced placement in the student-led midwifery clinic. RESULTS: Students rated 15 of the 16 items in the Clinical Practice Environment scale of MidSTEP statistically significantly higher when placed with the student-led midwifery clinic (n = 14) compared with students in traditional placement models (n = 68). Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's six stages revealed four themes: 1) Enhanced continuity relationships; 2) A safe space; 3) Alignment with midwifery philosophy; 4) Taking the lead. CONCLUSIONS: Student-led midwifery clinics can optimise student learning, increase placements opportunities and increase student confidence in midwifery practice. In addition, being supervised by an Endorsed midwife facilitates students to experience the full scope of midwifery practice.