OBJECTIVE

To identify the essential competencies for different grades of midwives in China.

METHODS

A nationwide modified Delphi process was implemented to amend and screen the indicators. Thirty expert panellists including practitioners (nurse-midwives), clinical managers, academic educators and obstetricians completed a two-round Delphi study through an electronic survey that was supplemented by an expert panel meeting for discussion of comments and suggestions.

RESULTS

All panellists completed two rounds of Delphi study and at least 75% of them achieved a consensus on 224 items (1 = 0.150, 2 = 0.173). Seven domains were established, namely, 'Professional quality', 'Antenatal care', 'Intrapartum care', 'Postnatal care', 'Neonatal care', 'Gynaecological care', 'Public health care & Integrative competency'. Generalised maternal and neonatal knowledge and perinatal care skills were set for 'junior' midwives, pathological care for 'senior' ones and supervisory abilities and promotion of discipline for 'expert' ones.

CONCLUSIONS

This research developed three grades of essential competencies for midwives in China. The next step will be assessment in clinical settings for further response. The set was in line with the concepts of International Confederation of Midwives under the domestic context. This set could be adopted as a reference in developing normalised midwifery practice, education and certification.