The Medical Training Evaluation Questionnaire (MeTrE-Q): a multidimensional self-report instrument for assessing the quality of midwifery students' education

Abstract

This study aims to understand the factors that can hinder Italian midwifery students' educational process, what messages are given to students during their clinical practice, and how students interact with tutors and other professionals. Seven hundred and eighty Italian students of midwifery were asked to answer an Internet-based questionnaire regarding their own opinions concerning their theoretical–practical formative path. For male Italian students, satisfaction is lower than female students as well as for students from Southern than Northern Italy. Students are dissatisfied with the quality of their academic and practical training, particularly regarding recognising their professional role and their relationship with tutors. Based on these data, it is essential to design a formative path for midwives that considers students' opinions and the positive experiences of other countries.

Impact Statement

• What is already known on this subject? Several studies underscore the poor preparation of students for learning in clinical settings. The current reality of the Italian academic path in most universities disregards midwifery students' expectations and formative needs.

• What do the results of this study add? For male Italian students, satisfaction is lower than for female students and students from Southern than Northern Italy. Students are dissatisfied with the quality of their academic and practical training, particularly regarding recognising their professional role and their relationship with tutors.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is essential to design a formative path for midwives that considers students' opinions and other countries' positive experiences.

Keywords:

• Midwifery
• obstetrics
• midwifery education
• internship
• internship
• clinical supervision
• education

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their appreciation to the students who participated in our study. The authors also thank Dr. Nazario Cassaro for critical reading of this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).