Barriers to delivering quality midwifery education programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo - An interview study with educators and clinical preceptors.

BACKGROUND

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the education of midwives at a higher education level has recently been introduced as a strategy to improve maternal and neonatal health. However, little is known about the preconditions for such an education.

AIM

To explore the barriers to delivering high-quality midwifery education programmes in the DRC and reflect on potential areas for improvement.

METHOD

Data was collected through 14 focus group discussions with 85 midwifery educators and clinical preceptors, at four higher education institutions delivering midwifery education programmes. Transcribed discussions were inductively analysed using content analysis.

FINDINGS

Overall, the teaching environment was insufficient. Most midwifery educators and clinical preceptors had deficient competencies, and there was a shortage of didactic resources and equipment as well as poor communication routines between the education institutions and clinical education sites. The barriers varied between locations; for instance, the institution in the country's capital was overall well equipped.

CONCLUSION

The identified barriers constitute major risks undermining the quality of future midwives in the DRC. Reforming the education of midwives, together with general higher education reform, will be critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on health in the country. We therefore suggest that (i) midwifery educators have at least one academic level above the programme in which they teach, (ii) continuing education be available for midwifery educators and clinical preceptors, (iii) education institutes and clinical sites are fit for purpose, and (vi) routines for clear communication links between education and clinical sites be used.