gms | German Medical Science

Background: Due to the goal of high mobility in the European Union and migration movements, the students and staff of the midwifery study programmes are asked to gain knowledge about international midwifery. These skills include intercultural competencies and language skills. The “Hochschule für Gesundheit – University of Applied Sciences” (hsg Bochum) is offering a direct-entry Bachelor programme for midwives (“Bachelor of Science Hebammenkunde”), as well as an additional Bachelor programme for certified midwives (“Bachelor of Science Hebammenkunde (nachqualifizierend)”). In both study programmes mobility is an important topic [1]. This led to the development and implementation of a complex internationalisation strategy [2].

Aim: Systematic development of an internationalisation strategy in the field of midwifery regarding teaching, research and practice including students and professional staff.

Methods: The implementation process of an internationalization strategy in the study programme midwifery is orientated on the 5-stages-modell of Krüger (Initialisation, Conceptualisation, Mobilisation, Implementation, Perpetuation) [3].

Results: In close collaboration with the International Office of the University, the midwives working in the study programme Midwifery are systematically promoting various international cooperations in research and practice. Thereby the ICM competencies and position papers are constantly used in discussing the further development of midwifery and to find a common aim with partners [4]. The implementation takes place through the organization of various events at hsg Bochum including the invitation of international guests, language courses, intercultural trainings and joint research. Students and employees are promoted in going abroad; visiting universities in other countries and participating in international congresses.

Relevance: Internationalisation of health professions is an important topic due to general migration and free movement in the EU. With a systematic internationalisation strategy the study programme Midwifery at the University (hsg Bochum) aims to open up a perspective that transcends borders for students and staff.

Recommendations/Conclusion: International mobility of midwives is an important resource, which needs to be developed at universities as a lifelong learning process and as a part of the curriculum.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: It was not necessary to obtain a vote on ethics. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.