How Can Midwifery Education in Indonesia Be Strengthened?

Abstract

High-quality midwifery education plays a pivotal role in producing qualified graduate midwives who, if well resourced, can potentially make a difference to maternal and neonatal mortality. The goal of this study was to explore the experience of those involved in midwifery and what the barriers and enablers are to strengthen midwifery education in Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive method was used to answer the research question: How can midwifery education be strengthened in Indonesia? Ethical approval was granted from AUTEC, New Zealand and HREC, Indonesia. Data were collected from 37 participants: Indonesian midwives, midwifery lecturers, midwifery students and obstetricians. The participants were recruited from 12 midwifery schools in eight cities situated in six provinces in Indonesia. Thematic analysis of the data obtained from face-to-face in-depth interviews was conducted regarding participants views surrounding midwifery education. The findings of this study identified that quality midwifery theoretical and clinical teaching and learning, structural and external factors; and the passing of the Midwifery Act legislation will strengthen midwifery education in Indonesia. These findings are significant in light of the need to provide educated, confident midwives and midwifery services across Indonesia as called for by the United Nations Millennium Summit 2016 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030