Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2022

Comments

In partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the degree of Doctor of Midwifery

Abstract

Introduction: For the profession of midwifery to effectively diversify and more closely reflect the changing demographics of the US population, midwifery students from all backgrounds will need to succeed academically. Among the challenges to academic success are experiences of bias that are known to impair students’ confidence, connection, and learning.

Methods: Over 1,800 midwifery students and graduates from 2019-2022 were invited to participate in an on-line survey to measure experiences of bias in the clinical setting. Survey questions included demographic information, clinical setting and site characteristics, and prevalence of bias based on 7 personal characteristics. Other questions investigated responses to bias, whether and how anyone intervened, and impacts on clinical learning and professional commitment.

Results: Surveys were evaluated for 141 current clinical midwifery students and midwifery graduates. Results indicated that 59.6% of respondents reported experiencing bias during their clinical experience. Participants reported experiencing frustration, sadness, and powerlessness in response to bias. More often than not, participants reported that no one intervened (56.9%) when bias was expressed. The majority of participants who experienced bias (n=27, 57.4.%) reported that these experiences at least somewhat impacted their clinical learning, including considering withdrawal from their midwifery educational programs (n=12, 25.6%).

Discussion: It is in the clinical setting where midwifery students learn critical skills. Learning may be impaired for students who experience bias. Understanding the prevalence of bias and its impact on midwifery students in the clinical setting may inform the development of effective interventions to reduce and eliminate exposure to bias and its impact.

Language

English

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