A Needs Assessment for Recognizing Midwifery Educational Programs That Meet the International Confederation of Midwives Global Educational Standards

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Quality midwifery education globally is essential to improving maternal and infant outcomes worldwide.PURPOSE: Determine midwife educators’ perceptions of the need for an international recognition program identifying a midwifery educational program having met the International Confederation of Midwives’ (ICM) Global Standards for Midwifery Education.STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive web-based survey available in English, French, and Spanish. Midwife educators were asked about (a) perceived need for a recognition program identifying programs meeting ICM Education Standards, (b) ability and resources to complete a self-evaluation report, (c) kinds of verification activities expected and needed resources, and (d) willingness of local educators to be trained as evaluators.RESULTS: Surveys completed from 52 countries and all four ICM regions (n = 197) with 14% from low-/lower middle income countries. Majority of respondents (79%) endorsed a need for a recognition program. Most were capable of creating a self-evaluation report (88%), only 18% identified not needing any additional resources. The vast majority favored an on-site process to verify the report with over 81% stating local midwife educators would volunteer to be trained as validators.CONCLUSION: There is a perceived need for an international process that recognizes midwifery education programs that meet the ICM Education Standards.