Study on core competencies of midwives in China

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the core competencies of midwives in China. Combination of qualitative research and quantitative research. A total of 100 midwives in 3 tertiary (Grade 3) hospitals in Shijiazhuang were investigated by using the Midwife Core Competency Scale, and simultaneously followed by semi-structured interviews with 12 midwives. The questionnaire survey showed that the average score of core competencies of midwives was 4.17 ± 0.17. The scores of midwives’ competency for labor and delivery care (4.31 ± 0.09), new-born care (4.29 ± 0.04), and postpartum care (4.25 ± 0.13) were relatively high, while the prepregnancy care had the lowest score (3.88 ± 0.07). The interview results showed that the self-perception of core midwifery competencies was not bad, the limitations of midwives’ work scope affect the core competencies, and midwifery education needs to strengthen the humanistic care and the training of obstetric knowledge and technology.