The state of midwifery in small island Pacific nations

Homer, CSE; Turkmani, S; Rumsey, M

The state of midwifery in small island Pacific nations

Homer, CSE

Turkmani, S

Rumsey, M

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Women and Birth, 2017, 30 (3), pp. 193 - 199
Issue Date:: 2017-06-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Homer, CSE https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7454-3011	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Turkmani, S https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7819-5061	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Rumsey, M https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6899-1486	en_US
dc.date.available	2020-05-25T19:28:35Z
dc.date.issued	2017-06-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Women and Birth, 2017, 30 (3), pp. 193 - 199	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1871-5192	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/107617
dc.description.abstract	© 2017 Australian College of Midwives Background Strengthening midwifery is a global priority. Recently, global evidence has provided momentum toward developing the midwifery workforce. In 2014, the State of the World's Midwifery 2014 Report explored midwifery services in 73 low to middle income countries. In the South Pacific region, only Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands were included. This means that there is little known on the state of midwifery in the small island countries in the South Pacific. Aim To explore the current situation of the education, regulation and association of midwives in 12 small island nations of the South Pacific and determine the gaps in these areas. Methods A descriptive study was undertaken. Data were collected through a survey completed by key representatives (usually the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer) from each of the 12 countries. Ethical approval was received from the relevant Human Research Ethics Committee. Findings Many of the countries had few midwives, in some instances, only two midwives for the whole country. Midwifery education programs included post-graduate diploma, certificates and bachelor degrees. Midwives were required to be registered nurses in all countries. Regulation and licensing also varied – most countries did not have a separate licensing system for midwives. Only three countries have a specific professional association for midwives. Conclusion The variation and the small number of midwives poses challenges for workforce planning. Consideration could be given to developing regional standards and potentially a shared curriculum framework. Ongoing collaboration and networking between countries is a critical part of future developments.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Women and Birth	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.wombi.2017.02.012	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Humans	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Midwifery	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Pregnancy	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Adult	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Nurse Midwives	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Pacific Islands	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Female	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Surveys and Questionnaires	en_US
dc.title	The state of midwifery in small island Pacific nations	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	3	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	30	en_US
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - WHO CC
utslib.copyright.status	open_access
pubs.issue	3	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	30	en_US

Abstract:

© 2017 Australian College of Midwives Background Strengthening midwifery is a global priority. Recently, global evidence has provided momentum toward developing the midwifery workforce. In 2014, the State of the World's Midwifery 2014 Report explored midwifery services in 73 low to middle income countries. In the South Pacific region, only Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands were included. This means that there is little known on the state of midwifery in the small island countries in the South Pacific. Aim To explore the current situation of the education, regulation and association of midwives in 12 small island nations of the South Pacific and determine the gaps in these areas. Methods A descriptive study was undertaken. Data were collected through a survey completed by key representatives (usually the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer) from each of the 12 countries. Ethical approval was received from the relevant Human Research Ethics Committee. Findings Many of the countries had few midwives, in some instances, only two midwives for the whole country. Midwifery education programs included post-graduate diploma, certificates and bachelor degrees. Midwives were required to be registered nurses in all countries. Regulation and licensing also varied – most countries did not have a separate licensing system for midwives. Only three countries have a specific professional association for midwives. Conclusion The variation and the small number of midwives poses challenges for workforce planning. Consideration could be given to developing regional standards and potentially a shared curriculum framework. Ongoing collaboration and networking between countries is a critical part of future developments.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/107617