Midwifery students and preceptors shared experiences of practice assessment: A qualitative descriptive study

Background: Practice placement is a vital part of midwifery programs, enabling students to develop competence in caring for women and their babies under the supervision of preceptor midwives, who assess clinical skills while managing complex caseloads. Midwifery students and preceptor midwives are however contending with significant changes within the practice environment. These include changes to routes of entry to midwifery programmes, a move to a competency-based approach to assessment and increasing complexity of care required for women and their babies. Aim: To examine the experiences of midwifery students and preceptor midwives with clinical assessment in an Irish university during a period of significant transformation in midwifery education and practice. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to interview students (n = 32) and preceptors (n = 29). Data were analysed using content analysis. Results: Within an overarching theme of ‘the context of assessment in practice’, students and preceptors reported some commonalities in their experiences of practice assessment. A clear process of assessment was valued by participants, however, lack of continuity of preceptor and resource deficits, including inadequate staffing levels, affected this process. Preceptors and students highlighted the importance of support for practice assessment. Conclusion: The findings emphasise the critical importance of the context of the practice environment in shaping stakeholders’ experiences and is unique in eliciting the views of preceptors and students simultaneously. While resourcing midwifery services is essential, it must also encompass the resourcing of preceptorship, as safe practice depends on robust student assessment. Preceptors and students are supported in assessment by an explicit assessment process yet there are opportunities to further bolster supports, contributing to a quality practice learning environment for all. These insights hold significance for midwifery education and other practice-based professions.