There is an identified clinical need for this programme. Staff develop knowledge and skills that enhances both quality and efficiency of care. The programme is educationally innovative, while adhering to sound educational and quality principles. Various outcomes of the assisted birth practitioner programme are being explored and evaluated as an action research study for a PhD thesis being undertaken by Jean McConville at the University of Bradford.
The effectiveness of direct-entry midwifery education has been the subject of much debate. This paper describes a study comparing perceptions of competence among midwives educated on direct-entry and post-registration programmes.
