gms | German Medical Science

Background: In the course of their practical training, midwifery students are confronted with various challenges, which require a high degree of physical and psychological resilience. The concept of promoting resilience is increasingly coming to the fore in this context. The support and strengthening of personal protective factors should empower prospective midwives to react appropriately and sustainably to the stresses of midwifery work.

Aim/research question: The aim of the study is to contribute to the promotion of resilience development of midwifery students in the context of obstetric practice guidance. To achieve this, the necessary framework conditions for the practice will be identified. Based on the results of the study, the investigation is to conclude with a concept development consisting of resilience-promoting topics for implementation in the further training of practice supervisors. To this end, the following research question is posed: What framework is needed to strengthen the resilience capacity of trainee midwives through practice guidance in clinical obstetrics?

Methods: The data collection chosen to answer the research question is carried out by means of a qualitative interview with eight midwives who work as practice supervisors in clinical obstetrics. The data collection is carried out with the help of a semi-structured interview guide. The results of the study are based on a qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.

Results: The analysis of the results allows for the identification of necessary framework conditions for future practice guidance. These relate to the thematic teaching of resilience development, the time off and remuneration of midwives for the period of practice guidance and the establishment of an appreciative relationship between trainees and midwives providing practice guidance. For the implementation of a resilience-promoting concept in the further education of practice supervisors, the following topics are of particular importance: Teaching the basics of resilience development and development of individual protective factors, building an appreciative and professional relationship in the context of practice guidance as well as an adapted communication training, self-reflection of obstetric practice and its importance for practice guidance and the design of reflection discussions.

Relevancy: The experiences of trainee midwives during their practical training assignments in obstetrics represent a central approach in the research into the causes of the shortage of midwives in inpatient obstetrics. For the first time, the study and examination regulations for midwives allow for a restructuring of practical training guidance in order to support trainees in coping with stressful situations and to develop coping strategies. The study results confirm the relevance of resilience-promoting practice guidance and the need for future adaptation to the needs of trainee midwives and practice supervisors.

Recommendations/conclusion: For a comprehensive study of this issue, further qualitative and quantitative surveys are needed to consider the perspectives of prospective midwives and to evaluate the effects of the changes in the law.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: This abstract was written in the context of a master’s thesis. A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.

The PDF file of the poster submitted for the meeting is available in German as Attachment 1 [Attach. 1].