Mitra Javanmard
Edith Cowan University, AustraliaPresentation Title:
Transitional experiences of internationally qualified midwives practising in Australia
Abstract
Background: The global shortage of midwives, coupled with rising migration trends, has led to midwives relocating across countries to help meet the growing demand.
Aim: To identify the experiences of internationally qualified midwives (IQMs) transitioning into the Australian midwifery system.
Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was implemented in 2020, underpinned by the philosophical assumption of ‘pragmatism’. Phase one surveyed a total of 66 IQMs within Australia. Phase two, a descriptive qualitative approach, interviewed 11 IQMs. Integration of the e-survey and interview data was conducted using two methods: visual display and narrative approaches.
Results: IQMs’ challenges identified different midwifery model of care and different work-based culture. A perceived lack of midwifery autonomy hindered the scope of their midwifery practice. Significant proportions of IQMs experienced discriminatory practices and inequity of opportunity in the workplace. The data integration led to the identification of three key meta-inferences: different midwifery models of care, different work-based cultures and equality of opportunity and discrimination.
Conclusion: This study identified a number of challenges that triggered frustration among IQMs. An important finding identified by this study is that workplace atmosphere is critical to IQMs’ level of adjustment. Support, respect and acceptance from peers and managers were the main factors enabling or hindering their transition, as well as empowering or discouraging the full use of their skills and expertise. Unfortunately, this study also highlighted the toxic nature of discrimination, and its flow-on negative effects in terms of IQMs’ professional identity and psychological health. IQMs navigated between positive and negative emotions, which affected their sense of belonging in the Australian midwifery workforce. The identification of these challenges may assist organisations to review and address how the needs of IQMs can be supported. This study highlights the central role of organisational support in fostering the integration of IQMs into the new workforce
Biography
Dr. Mitra
Javanmard completed her PhD in Midwifery at the Clinical Health Science Unit of
the University of South Australia in 2020. She is currently a senior lecturer
in midwifery at Edith Cowan University, Australia. With a career spanning 32
years in midwifery practice and 11 years in academia, she has extensive
expertise in both clinical practice and research. Her rich midwifery background
informs her teaching approach, where she emphasizes the importance of
respecting human dignity, providing compassionate care for childbearing
families, promoting safe motherhood, and fostering cultural competency, cultural
respect and safety in midwifery practice.
Due to the
global shortage of midwives and increasing migration trends, midwives
frequently relocate across countries. Therefore, her PhD research focused on
understanding the factors influencing the transitioning experiences of these
midwives practising in Australia. She believes this research can enhance
midwives' learning, particularly in fostering collaboration with colleagues and
patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Additionally, Mitra emphasizes that
a supportive workplace not only facilitates midwives’ transition to a new
healthcare system but also improves their mental health and well-being,
ultimately benefiting the care provided to pregnant women and their babies.
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