Transition experiences of Middle Eastern midwives into Australian practice: A multiple case narrative study

Abstract

Aim: To explore transition experiences of Middle Eastern qualified midwives into practice in Australia.

Design: This was a qualitative study using multiple case narrative approach underpinned by structuration theory.

Methods: A total of 19 Middle Eastern qualified midwives from different states of Australia participated in this study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2020 and September 2021, digitally recorded and then transcribed. Transcriptions were analysed in three stages, with three main categories generated in the second stage and a core category that was developed in third.

Results: Entering the Australian workforce, Middle Eastern qualified midwives had to reframe their professional identities to fit the new system by adjusting to three aspects of the practice, including preparation for practice, scope of practice and context of practice. While they were prepared by medically oriented curricula, worked in systems that had limitations for midwives to practise in antenatal and postnatal and lacked regulation standards, they learned to practise autonomously in their full scope in a standardized context in Australia.

Conclusion: Middle Eastern qualified midwives in Australia re-evaluated their practice in their home countries, realized the gaps and adjusted to new ways of practising in Australia.

Impact: To effectively use the potential of Middle Eastern midwives for workforce sustainability in Australia, support should be available to enable them to develop the necessary competencies for safe practice in Australia including provision of context-specific transition programmes prior to registration and supporting mentorship after their integration into the Australian healthcare workforce.

Patient or public contribution: Patient or public contribution does not apply to this study as its purpose was to explore the transition experiences of Middle Eastern qualified midwives themselves.

Keywords: Australia; Middle East; immigrants; internationally qualified healthcare professionals; midwifery; nursing; transitional experiences.