Retention in midwifery: findings from a longitudinal study of midwives’ careers

The study had two main aims: to ascertain whether extending post-registration midwifery education from 12 to 18 months was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of newly qualified midwives who felt adequately prepared to practise as a midwife, and the extent to which these intentions were subsequently translated into practice.

Abstract

A longitudinal study documenting the careers of midwives has been in progress at the Nursing Research Unit of Kings College, London University, for more than a decade. Two large cohorts of midwives have been followed up at regular intervals since they qualified; one group in 1979, the other in 1983. The study had two main aims: first, to ascertain whether extending post-registration midwifery education from 12 to 18 months was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of newly qualified midwives who felt adequately prepared to practise as a midwife, in the proportion who intended to do so, and the extent to which these intentions were subsequently translated into practice; second, to obtain information on various aspects of life as a midwife, particularly those that may be relevant to retention. Three phases of data collection have been completed to date: Phase 1 at the time that each cohort qualified; Phase 2 in 1986 and 1987 and Phase 3 in 1989. Further phases of data collection are planned.