Study protocol for ‘PROMIsE’: implementation of a curriculum to stimulate PROactive behavior in MIdwifery Education.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Proactive behavior shows promise in the challenges of midwifery students in adapting quickly and effectively to different clinical settings. The antecedents of rolebreadth self-efficacy, control appraisal and trust in peers have demonstrated a potential for significant benefit to proactive behavior in midwifery education. A new midwifery educational program, 'PROMIsE', was developed to influence these antecedents and so enhance proactive behavior. METHODS: A pre-test/post-test cohort study of midwifery students' antecedents in proactive behavior will be conducted from September 2018 until June 2022. All new starting midwifery students (n = estimated at 150) at one Belgian University College will be included. Data will be collected using a validated questionnaire at four time points: the entry point in the new midwifery curriculum, after one year, two years and at the end of the curriculum. A proportional odds logistic regression analysis will be used to clarify the association between these antecedents and the probability to observe proactive behavior within this group at different time points. RESULTS: A historical comparison will be made with this cohort study and two previous cross-sectional studies. With 'PROMIsE' it is assumed that this cohort, which underwent the intervention of 'PROMIsE', will score significantly higher than the cross-sectional study groups. CONCLUSIONS: 'PROMIsE' aims to support the individual guidance of midwifery students towards proactive behavior in midwifery in order to cope with the numerous challenges in reproductive healthcare.