Early career midwives' perception of their teamwork skills following a specifically designed, whole-of-degree educational strategy utilising groupwork assessments.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a specifically designed whole-ofdegree strategy utilising groupwork assessments was effective in facilitating the development of early career midwives' teamwork skills.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews was undertaken with early career midwives who had graduated within the previous two years. This study is the final cycle of a larger participatory action research project. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Nineteen early career midwives from one Australian university participated. Their preregistration education was via a Bachelor of Midwifery. Their education included a whole-of-degree educational strategy to facilitate the development of teamwork skills.

FINDINGS

One overarching theme "Becoming an Effective Team Member' and three sub-themes: 'Learning and developing Teamwork Skills'; 'More secure and confident' and 'Self-Assurance in interprofessional interactions' were identified in the interview data. Despite their junior status, the midwives demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an effective team member. Their social and emotional skills appeared well developed and they felt confident interacting with other health care workers in a professional manner.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Early career midwives who were taught and practiced teamwork skills throughout their degree, appear to have developed the social and emotional competencies required for effective teamwork.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The capacity for effective teamwork of this small group of early career midwives has the potential to improve the quality and safety of their care for childbearing women. Learning teamwork skills in the educational setting appears to have generated skills focused on conflict resolution, emotional self-regulation and social and emotional competency in these new midwives. These are favourable skills in the emotionallycharged environment of maternity care, where inter-collegial bullying is present and where new midwives can experience poor psychological wellbeing. Health care employers want new graduate health professionals to be work ready and to have the skills necessary to be effective team members. The program undertaken by these new graduates may be of assistance in developing these capabilities in other health students.

THE KNOWN

Teamwork skills are an intrinsic part of the day-to-day activities of maternity services, influencing the workplace culture, retention of midwives and the quality and safety of care. Poor teamwork is associated with clinical errors, bullying and high turnover of staff.

THE NEW

Early career midwives who were taught teamwork skills and practice these skills using their groupwork assignments throughout their undergraduate degree appear to demonstrate the social and emotional competencies required for effective teamwork.

THE IMPLICATIONS

Implementing a whole-of-degree program to develop teamwork skills in undergraduate midwifery students may improve early career midwives' social and emotional competencies and interactions with other health professionals. Learning teamwork skills in the educational setting may generate skills in the new midwife that focus on conflict resolution, emotional self-regulation, and social and emotional competency. These are favourable skills in the emotionally charged environment of maternity care, where inter-collegial bullying is present and where new midwives can experience poor psychological wellbeing.