Learning disability awareness training for undergraduate midwifery students: Multi-method evaluation of a co-produced and co-delivered educational intervention in England.

BACKGROUND

Midwives lack the confidence and competence to identify and support people with learning disabilities, putting this population at risk of inequitable maternity care.

OBJECTIVES

To co-produce, co-deliver and evaluate maternity focused learning disability awareness training for student midwives, in collaboration with experts-by-experience (people with learning disabilities).

DESIGN

Multi-methods study evaluating the impact and acceptability of learning disability awareness training.

SETTINGS: University in south-east England, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

83 midwifery students and 7 experts-by-experience.

METHODS

Midwifery students completed pre-post training surveys and a follow-up survey 3 months post training to substantiate longer-term impact. Experts-by-experience took part in qualitative interviews post training.

RESULTS

Student-reported learning disability awareness was significantly higher across all domains post training and sustained at follow up. Students reported the most notable aspect of training was learning with and from people with learning disabilities. Three inter-related themes were constructed from interviews with experts-by-experience: reasonable adjustments to training and research processes; a positive social, emotional and learning experience; and perceptions of impact.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study suggest that co-producing and co-delivering resources and education to an undergraduate midwifery workforce with people with lived experience, can have a profound impact on students and is also a positive experience for people with learning disabilities. The co-produced resources used in this training are free and accessible [https://www.surrey.ac.uk/togetherproject]. Further evaluation will explore acceptability and perceived impact of training and resources on other healthcare professionals working with maternity services.