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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Midwifery competency and its influencing factors among nurse-midwives in Bhutan: Findings from a national survey
1
Kagawa University, School of Nursing- Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
2
Kagawa University, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
3
Kagawa University, Perinatology and Gynecology- Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
4
Khesar Gyelpo University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
5
Kagawa University, Midwifery and Maternal Health Nursing- Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A844
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Midwifery education in Bhutan is integrated within the nursing curriculum. However, the lack of an independent organization, short duration of midwifery education, limited number of educational institutions, and emigration of health professionals contribute to workforce shortages and competency gaps.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to identify gaps in midwifery competencies among Bhutanese nurse-midwives in accordance with ICM standards and to investigate factors related to variations in their competency levels.
METHODS:
An online questionnaire survey was conducted among nurse-midwives working in all health facilities across Bhutan. The questionnaire included demographic information and a self-assessment competency score of confidence using the WHO Midwifery Competency Assessment Tool, which is based on ICM standards.
RESULTS:
Three hundred and twelve nurse-midwives participated in the study. The mean age was 31.5±7.3 years, 50.6% were female, the mean length of employment was 53.3±61.4 months. 45% worked without a gynaecologist. Regarding educational background, 23.4% held a bachelor's degree, and 28.8% of them graduated from institutions outside Bhutan. The 50th percentile scores in the intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care domains were 82.2%, 75.8%, and 78.3%, respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed among subjects’ self-rating for knowledge and skills regarding the three domains (r=0.600 to 0.635, p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study found that Bhutanese nurse-midwives demonstrated higher confidence in intrapartum care competencies, while additional efforts are needed to strengthen competencies in postpartum and neonatal care. Additionally, significant relations between knowledge and skills suggest that improving one area may enhance overall competence, highlighting the need for targeted training and support.
KEY MESSAGE:
•Implement targeted in-service training to enhance competencies in midwifery care. •Strengthen mentorship and supportive supervision, particularly in facilities lacking gynaecologists. Poster session 3 (Group B)
Midwifery education in Bhutan is integrated within the nursing curriculum. However, the lack of an independent organization, short duration of midwifery education, limited number of educational institutions, and emigration of health professionals contribute to workforce shortages and competency gaps.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to identify gaps in midwifery competencies among Bhutanese nurse-midwives in accordance with ICM standards and to investigate factors related to variations in their competency levels.
METHODS:
An online questionnaire survey was conducted among nurse-midwives working in all health facilities across Bhutan. The questionnaire included demographic information and a self-assessment competency score of confidence using the WHO Midwifery Competency Assessment Tool, which is based on ICM standards.
RESULTS:
Three hundred and twelve nurse-midwives participated in the study. The mean age was 31.5±7.3 years, 50.6% were female, the mean length of employment was 53.3±61.4 months. 45% worked without a gynaecologist. Regarding educational background, 23.4% held a bachelor's degree, and 28.8% of them graduated from institutions outside Bhutan. The 50th percentile scores in the intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care domains were 82.2%, 75.8%, and 78.3%, respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed among subjects’ self-rating for knowledge and skills regarding the three domains (r=0.600 to 0.635, p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study found that Bhutanese nurse-midwives demonstrated higher confidence in intrapartum care competencies, while additional efforts are needed to strengthen competencies in postpartum and neonatal care. Additionally, significant relations between knowledge and skills suggest that improving one area may enhance overall competence, highlighting the need for targeted training and support.
KEY MESSAGE:
•Implement targeted in-service training to enhance competencies in midwifery care. •Strengthen mentorship and supportive supervision, particularly in facilities lacking gynaecologists. Poster session 3 (Group B)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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