Shifting perspectives – A qualitative study about midwives’ experiences of postgraduate education in Canada

Abstract

Background

Globally, midwifery education is a priority. In Canada, there is only one postgraduate midwifery education program. Most midwives who pursue postgraduate education in Canada enroll in non-midwifery educational programs. We know little about midwives’ experiences of post-graduate education in Canada.

Research Question

What are midwives’ experiences of post-graduate education in Eastern Ontario, Canada?

Methods

We used feminist poststructuralism to explore midwives’ experiences of postgraduate education and paid attention to the concepts of gender, discourse, relations of power, subjectivity, language, and text. Interviews, with four participants, lasted 45–60 min and were transcribed verbatim. We used feminist poststructuralist discourse analysis.

Findings

We share one main theme Shifting perspectives of self, systems, and others – Opening my eyes and four corresponding sub-themes, 1) Increased awareness of health care system and midwifery - How the assignment kind of like, is opening my eyes 2) (Dis)connected to midwifery - Allow me to be as close to midwifery as possible 3) Engaging with a variety of peers and perspectives - What a fascinating and interesting group of peers I have and 4) Conflicting experiences of personal expectations – I don't think I expected it to be quite this much work.

Discussion/Conclusion

Midwives’ experiences highlighted the value of postgraduate education. Postgraduate education for midwives created new understandings of health systems, professional roles, and interdisciplinarity. Interdisciplinary postgraduate education may offer opportunities to challenge existing siloes in health systems. Postgraduate education programs should be designed with consideration of the competing priorities of clinical midwifery work.