Evaluating a midwifery student employment model in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national cross-sectional survey of students and midwives.

PROBLEM: The Maternity Care Assistant (MCA) role was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide midwifery workforce support in Aotearoa-New Zealand, but its broader impact remains unclear.

BACKGROUND

The MCA role offers casual paid employment to Bachelor of Midwifery students. While designed to support the workforce, its impact has not been formally evaluated, particularly for Māori and Pacific students.

AIM: To evaluate the MCA role and its impact on the transition to practice.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional survey was distributed through midwifery networks using Qualtrics®. Final-year student midwives, early-career midwives, and senior midwives were invited to participate, including those without MCA experience to allow comparison between groups. Survey items were guided by Te Mauri o Rongo (2023 New Zealand Health Charter). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.

FINDINGS: Of 150 responses, MCA students (n = 42) reported significantly greater belonging (p < .001), preparedness for professional relationships (p < .001), and comfort seeking support (p = .008) than non-MCA peers (n = 21). Early-career midwives with prior MCA experience (n = 25) reported stronger belonging (p = .006), feeling valued (p = .004), and confidence entering practice (p = .042). Senior midwives (n = 50) supported the role but noted unclear scope of practice limited student development and workforce contributions. Māori and Pacific participants emphasised the value of whanaungatanga (relationships) fostered by the MCA role.

DISCUSSION: The MCA role enhances relationships, belonging, confidence, and readiness but lacks consistent definition, limiting its full potential.

CONCLUSION

Clearer governance is needed to strengthen the MCA role and improve its contributions to workforce development.