Development of a Framework to Embed Equality and Diversity within Under Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Programmes.

Background: Whilst equality and diversity (ED) may be considered inherent within the concept of professionalism, educators have a duty to ensure that nursing and midwifery students are educated and inspired in an environment that nurtures and promotes ED. Consideration of ED should be paramount within undergraduate programmes of education which support the development of skills and knowledge to promote individualised care whilst also reflecting respect and equality for those undertaking education and practice learning. In response to the rising need to ensure that ED is embedded in all aspects of nursing and midwifery education a project was initiated which aimed to co-design a framework which enables reflection of ED across the educational trajectory.

Aim: Development of a framework which embeds ED within the educational environment.

Methods: Four focused meetings with current and previous leads in Equality and Diversity, midwifery lead and lead for internationalisation were convened. Discussions focused on previous experience of ED practice, strengths, weaknesses and current gaps in ED provision. Discussions were recorded and thematically analysed to identify essential components of an ED framework. Information gathered was used to develop a draft content and structure of an ED framework.

A two hour workshop was subsequently held to gather wider stakeholder consultation. The workshop allowed the group to share and learn from each other’s perspectives on the identified ED needs and how the components of the framework can meet these needs. The workshop discussions were also recorded and thematically analysed. Information gathered was used to modify the framework.

Results: Five stages were identified upon which an ED framework should be developed. These were Empowering the Educators; Promotion and advertising of Nursing and Midwifery Education; Selection of candidates for training; Embedding Equality and Diversity in Nursing and Midwifery Education and Competence to practice.

Conclusion: The consultation process concluded that a framework should be developed which embedded ED practice. The resulting framework has been tailored to the various stages of the training trajectory and provides practical steps and points of reflection at each stage.