Article
Current opportunities and challenges in the academic qualification of midwives in Germany – a qualitative study as part of the evaluation of the Evangelische Hochschule Berlin (EHB)’s model degree program in Midwifery
Search Medline for
Authors
-
Sabine Striebich
- Evangelische Hochschule Berlin, Germany
-
Melita Grieshop
- Evangelische Hochschule Berlin, Germany
-
Dorothea Tegethoff
- Evangelische Hochschule Berlin, Germany
| Published: | February 5, 2016 |
|---|
Outline
Text
Background: The Evangelische Hochschule Berlin (EHB) has offered a dual undergraduate degree program in midwifery (BSc of Midwifery) since October 2013. All higher education institutions are required to comprehensively evaluate their Midwifery degree program [1][2]. To this end the EHB will submit an evaluation report in 2017. The evaluation concept includes, among other things, consultation with experts in the fields of midwifery qualification, current professional practice, professional policies and legal issues and/or with experience in research and education, as they are in a position to examine the potential and challenges of ‘academization’ from different perspectives.
Aims/research questions: Existing differences between academic and vocational education, the demand for academic midwifery programs in Germany, the challenges with regard to introducing these study programs, and the consequences of the ‘academization’ of the midwifery profession on the field of midwifery were explored and evaluated in interviews with experts.
Methods: In February and March 2015 ten structured interviews lasting 18 to 45 minutes were conducted, digitally recorded and transcribed [3]. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring [4]. Using a deductive approach, an evaluation matrix in accordance with the categories of the federal ministry of Health Guidelines [2] was applied.
Results: The experts identified current opportunities and challenges in dual undergraduate degree programs in midwifery in Germany, in particular in the design and implementation skills-based learning tutorials and exams in both the academic and practical programme modules, in the further development of fields of application for graduates, and in relation to furthering the professionalization of midwifery in Germany.
Relevance: Expert opinions concerning current opportunities and challenges within the process of ‘academization’ contribute to the expansion and ongoing development of midwifery degree programs in Germany.
Recommendations/conclusions: The design and implementation of skills-based tutorials and exams and of professional opportunities for graduates are areas requiring attention above and beyond the compulsory evaluation.
Ethical considerations: The authors declare that no conflicts of interest exist.
Financing/sponsors: The study is part of a self-funded research project.
References
- 1.
- Gesetz zur Einführung einer Modellklausel in die Berufsgesetze der Hebammen, Logopäden, Physiotherapeuten und Ergotherapeuten. In: Bundesgesetzblatt Teil 1. Bundesanzeiger Verlag. 2009;64:3158-60. Verfügbar unter: http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?start=%2F%2F*%5B%40attr_id%3D%27bgbl109s3158.pdf%27%5D#__bgbl__%2F%2F*%5B%40attr_id%3D%27bgbl109064.pdf%27%5D__1452635530278 [Zugriff 07.01.2016]
- 2.
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit. Bekanntmachung von Richtlinien über die wissenschaftliche Begleitung von Modellvorhaben nach § 4 Abs. 6 Satz 3 des Ergotherapeutengesetzes, § 6 Abs. 4 Satz 3 des Hebammengesetzes, § 4 Abs. 6 Satz 3 des Logopädengesetzes und § 9 Abs. 3 Satz 3 des Masseur- und Physiotherapeutengesetzes. Bundesanzeiger. 2009;180:4052-3. Verfügbar unter: http://www.bmg.bund.de/fileadmin/redaktion/pdf_gesetze/bekanntmachungen/Bekanntmachung-RiLi-Berufsgesetze.pdf [Zugriff 07.01.2016]
- 3.
- Dresing T, Pehl T. Praxisbuch Interview, Transkription & Analyse. Anleitungen und Regelsysteme für qualitativ Forschende. 5. Auflage. Marburg: Eigenverlag; 2013. Verfügbar unter: http://www.audiotranskription.de/praxisbuch [Zugriff 07.01.2016]
- 4.
- Mayring P. Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse - Grundlagen und Techniken. Weinheim Basel: Beltz; 2015.
