Shared learning on an international clinical placement: Promoting symbiotic midwifery practice knowledge

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of shared learning between Australian and Balinese midwifery students during a two-week clinical placement in Bali Indonesia. 

Background: Cultural safety in midwifery is a key concept that is underpinned by the provision of holistic quality midwifery care to all women. Therefore, culturally safe midwifery care identifies, protects and promotes women's individual cultures and is a key concept that is fostered in midwifery education. To educate culturally safe midwives, international placements to resource limited countries have become more common within midwifery education programs. 

Methods: This study used a qualitative research design with a convenience sampling design. The participants were enrolled in midwifery courses in a University in the Northern Territory of Australia (n = 9), a Balinese private midwifery school (n = 4) and a Balinese public midwifery school (n = 4). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. 

Findings: The findings were categorised into major themes under the headings of “Learning together despite differences”; “Cultural differences”, “Communication, Resources”, and “Recommendations for future placements”. 

Conclusion: This study provides a valuable insight into how shared learning increases students’ midwifery knowledge and is fundamental in understanding cultural differences that could be applied to students’ clinical midwifery practice.