Predictors and Levels of High-Risk/Emergency Management Competence among Newly Qualified Midwives in Morocco: a Cross-Sectional Study

Midwifery education is fundamental to ensuring that midwives have the appropriate skills to manage critical situations and thereby prevent maternal and neonatal mortality. To achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5 by 2030 and strengthen the professional role of midwives, Morocco has implemented a competency-based training programme. This study aimed to describe the level of competence in managing high-risk/emergency situations and the predictive factors of competence among newly graduated midwives. An anonymous online survey was conducted from 31 July to 26 October 2021, among 186 newly graduated midwives. Data were collected using a Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Pre-Service Education Assessment Tool, and the Novice High-Risk/Emergency Management Competence Self-Assessment Tool. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to explore the association between high-risk/emergency management competence and its predictors. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to explore the influencing factors. Results indicate that Moroccan newly graduated midwives were moderately competent in managing high-risk situations and emergencies. Insufficient support from teachers and supervisors, limited practical clinical experience, and lack of learning resources were significant predictors of high-risk/emergency management competence, explaining 73.2% of the variance in the high-risk/emergency management competence. The consistency of these findings across different educational settings around the world suggests that this is a common challenge. Therefore, the implementation of a competence-based training programme as an independent action is not sufficient to achieve the intended results. Building the capacity of midwifery teachers and supervisors, and responding to the international call for enhanced resources in midwifery education, both in academic and clinical settings, is a critical step toward improving midwives' competencies.