gms | German Medical Science

Background: The amendment of the German Midwifery Act places new requirements on the theoretical and practical higher education of midwifery students. This also affects the practical final state examination concerning the birth.

As a result of the change, the location of the examination has been transferred to the universities, where it is to be conducted using obstetric models and simulation patients. This simulation-based examination is a novelty for midwifery education in Germany concerning the form of a final state examination. So far, comparable formats can only be found internationally and in related health professions.

Aim/Research question: The aim of the research project is to determine the requirements midwifery lecturers and mentors place on the practical final state examination (birth) relating to the amendment of the Midwifery Act. This approach should lead to indications for the design of the simulation-based examination format.

Methods: Within the framework of a qualitative study design, four focus groups were conducted between June and July 2021 with a total of 24 midwifery lecturers and mentors. The selection was made in the sense of purposive sampling based on predefined criteria. The data material was transcribed and evaluated by means of qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. The project is conducted as part of a master’s thesis.

Results: Preliminary results indicate that participants classify the modified examination format as fairer and more predictable. However, there are concerns and uncertainties regarding the comparability of both examination formats and the realism of the simulation-based examination.

The simulation-based examination’s framework such as the design of the premises as well as the use of models and the demands placed on the simulation participants are discussed. The transparency of the examination criteria towards the midwifery students is strongly emphasized. Furthermore, practice mentors would like to be involved in the conception and realisation of the exams. In general, mentors and lecturers would like to be trained in the use of obstetric models, the development of case scenarios, and the recruitment of simulation participants.

Relevancy: As part of the practical final state examination, this high-stakes examination tests the professional competencies of midwifery students and is therefore related to the safety of (expectant) families. This imposes high requirements on the conception of the exam. Universities involved in the planning of the simulation-based examination format might benefit from using results of this research project.

Recommendations/Conclusion: The practical final state examination (birth) has a particularly high value for the participating midwives. Therefore, when designing study programs according to the German Midwifery Act, this examination format should be planned at an early stage. The theoretical learning venue (university) and the practical learning venue (clinic) should conceive and implement the examination together. It could be helpful to include other profession’s experiences with similar examination formats.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: A vote on ethics was obtained. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.