Learning experiences of final-year student midwives inlabor wards : a qualitative exploratory study

Introduction: Clinical placements are an integral part of midwifery education and are crucial for achieving professional competencies. Although students’ experiences on placements have been shown to play a meaningful role in their learning, they have received scant attention in the literature. The aim of this paper is to describe the learning experiences of final-year student midwives in labor wards within the Brussels metropolitan region, Belgium. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using two focus groups (N=20). Data analysis included: transcription of audio recordings, thematic content analysis with coding into recurrent and common themes, and broader categories. Discussions among researchers were incorporated in all phases of the analysis for integrity and data fit. Results: Data analysis identified the following categories as determining student learning experiences in labor wards: 1) managing opportunities, 2) being supported, and 3) dealing with the environment. Overall, respondents were positive and enthusiastic about their learning experiences, although some felt tense and unprepared. Students expressed concerns about differences in learning opportunities between placements and found it challenging to achieve all competencies. Student learning experiences were enhanced when they had placements for longer periods with the same supportive mentors. Conclusions: Factors related to students’ functioning, the healthcare professional, midwifery education and hospital environment affected their learning in labor wards. The combination of a more persevered preparation of students and mentors, together with a student-centered organization of placements, is crucial to create a positive learning experience for midwifery students in labor wards

Early prenatal diagnosis of oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia or the Goldenhar syndrome

We report a case of the sonographic detection of oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia in a fetus at 15 weeks' gestation. An early diagnosis was suggested by observation of a maxillar cleft in association with unilateral microphthalmia. In the presence of microphthalmia the syndrome is likely to include mental retardation. When the diagnosis is made in the perinatal period, management generally involves cosmetic surgery. If, however, the condition is recognized in the early stages of gestation, termination of pregnancy may be an option.SCOPUS: ar.jFLWINinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Enterobius vermicularis Infection with tuboovarian abscess and peritonitis occurring during pregnancy

Background: Extraintestinal Enterobius vermicularis infections are rare but may occasionally affect the female genital tract. Although mostly asymptomatic or causing minor clinical problems, they may lead to severe infectious complications. Methods: Case report and review of the pertinent English language literature. Results: A 31-year-old, 30-week-pregnant female was admitted with a clinical suspicion of appendicitis. At surgery, the appendix appeared normal, but generalized peritonitis of unclear origin was present. Eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were found upon microbiological and pathological examination. Because of persisting infectious disease, the patient underwent an elective caesarean section, and at that time the diagnosis of a right tuboovarian abscess was made, and salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of an E. vermicularis salpingo-oophoritis. Conclusion: This case was extraordinary because of a combination of tuboovarian abscess and generalized peritonitis with E. vermicularis infection occurring during late pregnancy. Ectopic enterobiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic infections of gynecological origin