Insights gained through exploring UK midwifery care by US midwifery graduate students in a short-term study abroad: A qualitative study

Introduction: Student midwives exposed to effective systems of midwifery care in other countries can consider how aspects of this knowledge can translate into their healthcare system to improve maternal and infant perinatal outcomes. An optional short-term study abroad (STSA) experience was developed for US midwifery graduate students to expose them to the UK healthcare system, where midwives are considered the primary professionals for the care of the childbearing family. This qualitative study explored the influence of an STSA experience on US midwifery graduate students' learning of midwifery in the UK.

Methods: Ten midwife student participants wrote pre- and post-trip narratives in the US and daily diary entries during their week in the UK. A grounded theory approach guided the content analysis. The themes were derived from the NVivo software data by three midwife researchers who value global health learning experiences. Analysis was shared with participants to ensure its trustworthiness.

Results: Themes that emerged included: 'Another viewpoint', encapsulating curiosity and comparison of US and UK midwifery; 'Eye-opening', capturing surprise at noted differences between US and UK midwifery practice; and 'Goals met and influenced', expressing how their learning is anticipated to shape their professional identities and career trajectories going forward.

Conclusions: US student midwives exposed to functional systems in countries where midwifery care is fully integrated, broadened their views of midwifery care and practice. They became inspired to make positive changes in the US. Educational opportunities for midwifery students, such as STSA experiences, can positively influence self-confidence and professional identity.