Abstract

AIM:

To describe the collaborative development of an MSc course preparing Ireland's first advanced midwife practitioners.

BACKGROUND:

Ireland has 55 advanced nurse practitioner posts, but, as yet, no advanced midwife practitioners.

METHODS:

A consultative, collaborative process involving 38 midwives across Ireland generated the philosophy, aims and content of the course.

RESULTS:

Participants stated that candidates should be committed to the conceptual uniqueness of midwifery; the advanced midwife practitioner role should be clearly defined and supported by the candidate's sponsors; programme content should emphasize normal midwifery, be practice led, and encourage reflective, evidence-based, women-centred care.

CONCLUSION:

The collaborative process used to develop this programme ensures that it will meet individual students' needs, thus enhancing the education of Ireland's first advanced midwife practitioners. IMPLICATIONS FOR MIDWIFERY MANAGEMENT: The emphasis on normality rather than specialization is a message that could be assimilated by managers in other countries to the benefit of childbearing women across the world.