A National Evaluation of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Curricula

ABSTRACT

Aim

To conduct a comprehensive review of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Curricula leading to registration in Ireland.

Design

A mixed methods approach using a curriculum evaluation framework that was underpinned by the philosophy and principles of appreciative inquiry.

Methods

Five separate workstreams completed an evaluation of national policy documents and international curriculum documents, a literature review and two phases of stakeholder engagement including a graduate survey and peer‐grouped stakeholder focus groups. The workstreams were emulated for the professions of nursing and midwifery.

Results

National policy indicates a significant shift in healthcare delivery to the community environment, with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and a flexible interprofessional workforce. International curricula review revealed that nursing and midwifery education was split equally between academia and clinical practice at bachelor's degree level. Graduates were assessed for clinical competence with a variance of four to seven domains of competence evident for nurses and five principles for midwives. Direct entry midwifery was not widely available. The graduate survey identified that students were satisfied with the academic components of the curriculum; however, significant challenges in clinical placement were reported. Stakeholder focus groups reported a need for a learner‐focused approach to the curricula, increased access to education, a deeper understanding and appreciation of the various roles required to educate nurses and midwives and a recognition of midwifery as a separate profession.

Conclusion

There is a need for a significant revision of the current nursing and midwifery curricula to meet the future healthcare needs of the diverse patient population with a community‐focused delivery.

Reporting Method

The good reporting of a mixed methods study was used to guide the development of this manuscript.

Patient or Public Contribution

An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) was appointed to oversee the conduct of the research project and advise the research team as requested. There were five service user representatives included in the membership of the EAG. This included one representative from each of the divisions of the nursing and midwifery register in Ireland. A separate stakeholder engagement focus group was also conducted for the research upon the request from the service users.