‘Just a Midwife’: A qualitative study on perceived barriers and facilitators facing Filipino midwifery students in reaching ICM standards

Abstract

Background

The Philippines is struggling to lower its maternal mortality rate and while midwives are nationally recognized as autonomous maternal health care providers, research suggests they may not receive adequate training or support to fulfill their functions.

Aim

To gain deeper understanding of the lived experiences of student midwives in the Philippines with the intent to make recommendations that may assist midwifery programs to meet international standards for midwifery education.

Method

A qualitative research project with a realist constructivist approach, using semistructured interviews to explore perceived barriers and facilitators of a group of Filipino student midwives in achieving International Confederation of Midwives’ standards during training.

Findings

Thematic analysis led to the creation of one central concept, supported by six overarching themes and 18 subthemes, describing a disempowering culture for student midwives due to medical paternalism and the low status of midwifery in the Philippines.

Discussion and recommendations

Student midwives in the Philippines may routinely face disempowering experiences which limit them in achieving clinical competency prior to graduation. Recommendations for improving midwifery programs include empowering students and improving methods of clinical instruction.

Conclusion

Student midwives remained resilient in their desire to serve their communities, even in the face of adversity encountered during training. While midwifery training may not currently reach International Confederation of Midwives standards, increased investment, and support of midwives in the Philippines may lead to improved training opportunities in the future.