The clinical learning environment of a maternity ward: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Clinical learning environments influence the learning and performance of learners by creating learning opportunities and experiences. The maternity ward offers a major educational opportunity for midwifery students, obstetrics and gynecology residents and medical interns to acquire and improve crucial skills.

Objectives: This study seeks to determine the way in which the clinical learning environment of the maternity ward creates learning opportunities and enables the accumulation of experiences for the noted learners.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using inductive content analysis at the Maternity Ward of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, affiliated with University of Medical Sciences. Midwifery students, medical interns and obstetrics and gynecology residents spend a certain period of time in this ward as a mandatory part of their obstetrics and gynecology training. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and observations and were then analyzed in MAXQDA concurrently with data collection.

Results: Three main categories emerged from the analysis of the data collected from the interviews and observations: disorganized learning opportunities, heavy emotional load and learners' abandonment in the care-provider and learner role.

Conclusion: The maternity ward lacked the necessary organization to generate an environment conducive to learning and independent practice for the three groups of learners. The learners' training and acquired skills were thus affected by the clinical learning environment.

Keywords: Content analysis; Health professions; Learning environment; Maternity ward; Qualitative research.