EXISTING GAPS IN MIDWIFERY EDUCATION IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify gaps in university midwifery education program in Vietnam to facilitate the development of tailored, high quality, need -based context -specific advanced midwifery courses. Method: The study was conducted in two consecutive phases: the preparatory and the implementation phase. In the preparatory phase, the potential gaps were identified through secondary research. In the implementation phase, feasible gap analysis tools (questionnaires, semi-structured interview) with midwife students, practicing midwife, lecturers, obstetricians, pregnant women, and health policy officials. Convenience sampling was applied. The results of the implementation phase were evaluated, summarized and contrasted against the findings of the preparation phase to find out the gaps. Excel and STATA 12.0 were used to analyse data. Results: Existing gaps in university midwifery education program in Vietnam fell into the following 4 domains: (1) Knowledge – translation gap, theory – practice gap; (2) Lack of thorough knowledge of the respective health system and the importance of social determinants of health; (3) Communication skills; (4) Research awareness, lifelong skills , evidence-based practice. Conclusion: the results of the preparatory against the implementation phase revealed a variety of different gaps in all 4 educational domains. These evidence of this study will facilitate the development of the SafeMa advanced midwifery course addressing the most pressing needs in midwifery education and practice in Vietnam.