Peer-learning at a birthing unit

Title

Peer-learning at a birthing unit

Background

The situation of preceptorship at the delivery clinics is currently very strained, and the demand for VFU places within childbirth care is tremendous. Midwifery students also need extended placements on the delivery ward. There is an expanded need for health care professionals, and this, in the long run, means an increased demand for places of education and training (VFU). Different student groups are currently meeting, around the clock on VFU places on the delivery units. The supervisors state that they are not enough; at the same time as it is maternity care in crisis. Peer-learning (PL) means that two students, together with a supervisor, jointly solve tasks, reflect and critically review both their own and others’ efforts. The student couple exercises problem-solving in different patient situations based on learning objectives and in collaboration with the supervisor. PL is well studied in health education, but studies are lacking in childbirth care. According to our knowledge, PL is not practising during VFU in any maternity ward in Sweden.

Aim

To utilize the delivery ward’s VFU places as optimally as possible for both students and preceptors and at the same time stimulate student-centred learning (PL), with retained or better quality for the birthing woman.

Method

Some of Stockholm’s childbirth units were, for study purposes, to introduce PL in the autumn of 2018. The project following qualitative interview studies by students, preceptors and families. Furthermore, a national survey to investigate the experience of VFU and PL was sending to midwifery students and a national survey to parents about experiences to have students in connection with childbirth.

Relevance

The project can be the basis for the implementation of PL on delivery units. The goal of PL in clinical internships is the opportunities where students can meet in joint activities and exchange experiences, which in turn lead to more satisfied patients and improved health. The project can contribute to increased collaboration between educational institutions around questions about PL and impact on syllabuses and learning objectives. In the field of childbirth care, there are no studies on PL described, either nationally or internationally.

Foundation

Supported by grants provided by the Stockholm County Council (ALF project).

Contact

Responsible for the project: Sofia Zwedberg, Doctor in philosophy, senior lecture, Sophiahemmet University, Department of Health promotion