Improving Student Midwives' Preparedness for Practice ALL4MATERNITY

The perceived level of unpreparedness reported by first-year student midwives before their first clinical placement can negatively impact their experiences, subsequent placements and student attrition. Research examining influencing factors identified themes including students feeling unprepared for clinical practice, lacking confidence, and not feeling supported by the university during clinical placements. Subsequently, local changes implemented during the University of Hull's Midwifery programmes' revalidation included restructuring of content and modules. Additionally, a monthly SSTAKES visit within local Trusts was introduced. During the revalidation of the midwifery programme, this addition was recognised as a positive innovation to improve students' experience during clinical practice.