What are the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwifery students and midwives? A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwives are underrepresented within the midwifery workforce and is likely compounded by lower graduate rates. This review is a part of the Midwifery Futures Project. It explores the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwives and midwifery students to illuminate issues impacting work and study and uncover successful strategies towards addressing current disparities.

Methods: A scoping review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. Literature searching identified 1311 papers. Eleven papers, four qualitative research studies, and seven grey papers met the inclusion criteria: published academic journals, book publishers or key professional organisations; focused on the professional experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwives or the learning experiences; written in English; and published 2004 onwards (inclusive). The papers were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Three interconnected themes emerged: connection and kinship, racism and balancing responsibilities.

Conclusion: Culture, connection and kinship are foundational in providing experiences for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwives and midwifery students that are clinically and academically transformational, culturally safe and promote resilience for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwives and midwifery students. Midwives and midwifery students need to connect with each other and value working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women, clinicians and academics. Strategies that balance work, study and life responsibilities promote retention and resilience. Clinical, work and study contexts must be culturally safe by respecting and embracing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures and actively opposing racism in the personal, Community and organisational interfaces.

Keywords: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; Indigenous midwifery students; Indigenous midwives; Midwifery; Midwifery workforce.