Learning about compassion during midwifery education: exploring student midwives' perspectives. (2nd August 2022) - Pearson, Maria
Abstract : Background: Although compassionate healthcare is not a new neologism in midwifery, formal study about compassion in undergraduate curricula is relatively unexplored. This research offered an opportunity to explore midwifery students' perspectives of learning about compassion during their course. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data in three phases. First, 24 first-year student midwives completed a free writing exercise. Second, 81 self-completion questionnaires were given to students from all three years. Third, semi-structured interviews in focus groups were conducted with six first-year students, four second-year students and six third-year students. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative findings. Results: The majority of students reported formal study about and for compassion had increased their understanding of the concept. Midwifery practice placements were reported to support students' learning about compassion. Conclusions: Formal teaching about compassion during undergraduate midwifery education is recommended. Three distinct, interrelated themes emerged and students' brought their pre-professional life experiences to the classroom and clinical practice; they continued to learn about compassion both formally and informally, depending upon the situations they found themselves in.