Midwifery students' experiences of their clinical internship placement during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on midwifery students' experiences of clinical internship placement in the final year of their midwifery programme.

Design: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted following ethical approval. Four online focus groups were facilitated.

Setting and participants: To prepare for autonomous practice, BSc Midwifery students in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) undertake a 36-week internship in the final year of their programme. Midwifery students (n = 15), from one Higher Education Institute (HEI), who were undertaking internship across two clinical practice sites volunteered to participate in the study.

Findings: Four overarching themes were identified: Fear and uncertainty of internship in the context of a pandemic, Consequences of COVID-19 within the clinical environment, Student supports, Opportunities and challenges during internship. Working within a health care environment dominated by the presence of COVID-19 had significant consequences for the students and their provision of care for women and families. Students were challenged with managing increased responsibility within the context of COVID-19 practice requirements and restrictions. Students balanced their need to progress to autonomous practice, whilst acknowledging their needs as learners. COVID-19 also brought unexpected benefits, which included enhancing students' ability to develop relationships with women in their care, and students described a sense of belonging within the midwifery team.

Key conclusions and implications for practice: Midwifery students identified internship, during the COVID-19 pandemic as challenging and stressful. However, students also portrayed a sense of pride in their achievements. Support structures assisted students to cope during this period which included peer support, protective reflective time (PRT) in the HEI and support from clinical placement coordinators in midwifery (CPC-Midwifery) within clinical placements sites. It is essential that these support structures continue within midwifery educational programmes. Promoting peer support in a more formal support structure may need consideration. These support structures need to be protected and enhanced during unprecedented times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: BSc midwifery students; COVID-19; Clinical experience; Internship; Midwifery education; Pandemic; Qualitative.