THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Review the findings of a 5-country study exploring facilitators and barriers to student confidence for supporting physiologic birth. 2. Appreciate the role of academic and clinical educators in this endeavor. 3. Engage in roleplay scenarios to strategize and practice methods for navigating clinical environments that influence student confidence.

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
Presentation of findings of a 5-country study exploring facilitators and barriers to student confidence for supporting physiologic birth (15 minutes). Study data-informed role play will be performed to introduce small group discussions (5 minutes). Break into 5 small groups using scenarios to address factors that influence student confidence. A lively discussion will be facilitated by researchers involved in the highlighted study. Individuals will participate in two of the following groups (20 minutes each): Clinical environment factors, Mentor/preceptor factors, Student factors, Birthing woman/person factors, Exposure to physiologic birth factors Debate discussion highlights with a large group and address questions that arise (25 minutes). End with a summary and affirmation of midwives (5 minutes).

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Engage in role play and small group discussion with two different groups using scenarios derived from research to promote sharing of experience and ideas. This will be followed by a large group active debate around strategies to address student confidence to support physiologic birth. Additional reading Adnani QE, Okinarum GY, Sari AZC, et al. What it takes to develop self-confidence and competence in midwifery students for midwifery practice. Nurse Educ Today. 2025;144:106397. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106397 Ball KL, Peacock AS, Winters-Chang P. A literature review to determine midwifery students’ perceived essential qualities of preceptors to increase confidence and competence in the clinical environment. Women Birth. 2022;35(3):e211-e220. doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2022.02.004 Henshall BI, Grimes HA, Davis J, East CE. What is ‘physiological birth’? A scoping review. Midwifery. 2024;103964. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2024.103964