Solihull Approach training in undergraduate midwifery education: a pilot study

Background/Aims: To date, Solihull training for midwives in Northern Ireland has been facilitated as continuing professional development; however, incorporating Solihull Approach Antenatal Foundation Training in undergraduate midwifery education has been recommended. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the provision of this training for undergraduate midwifery students. Methods: This mixed-method evaluation study used pre- and post-test questionnaires with a purposive sample of 24 final year midwifery students. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics with thematic analysis of free text comments. Results: Four themes emerged: perceived benefits in clinical practice; increased knowledge and confidence; increased recognition of the public health role of the midwife; and integration and timing of the training. Conclusions: The innovative initiative was positively evaluated and considered an enhancement to current education provision. However, the initiative would have been welcomed earlier in the education programme. Implications for practice: Solihull Approach training will be provided at undergraduate level and introduced earlier in the programme, with the subsequent potential to incrementally build on this foundation and include further tiers of training. The impact of students' application of the Solihull Approach in clinical practice warrants further investigation.