Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Pasang Wangmo Kagawa University. Faculty of Medicine Pasang Wangmo 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Kimiko Kawata Professor, Maternal Health Nursing Kimiko Kawata
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Pasang Wangmo PhD student in Nursing, Kagawa University Pasang Wangmo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Kenji Kanenishi Professor, Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University. Kenji Kanenishi
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Masaaki Tokuda Emeritus Professor, Fellow Researcher, Advisor to the president, Kagawa University Masaaki Tokuda
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Assessment of midwifery competency and associated factors among nurse-midwives in Bhutan |
| Public title | Assessment of midwifery competency and associated factors among nurse-midwives in Bhutan |
| Background | Many countries have made progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality, but low- and middle-income countries still struggle to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bhutan has significantly lowered its maternal mortality rate from 770 per 100,000 live births in 1984 to 53 in 2023, approaching the SDG target of 70 by 2030, yet it remains behind developed nations. Midwives are essential to this progress, but Bhutan faces challenges in midwifery education, which is currently only six months within the nursing curriculum less than the recommended duration by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). To enhance midwifery competencies and protect maternal and child health, Bhutan needs to elevate its midwifery education to meet international standards by identifying gaps and addressing factors that are associated with midwifery training. |
| Objectives | An anonymous online questionnaire survey will be conducted with nurse-midwives in Bhutan to identify gaps in intrapartum, immediate postpartum, and newborn care in relation to the International Confederation of Midwives' standards and to clarify the characteristics associated with differences in midwifery competencies. |
| Study Methods | 1) An email requesting cooperation in the survey will be sent to the head nurses of each of the 51 hospitals in Bhutan. The email will include a summary of the study and a statement that ethical approval has been obtained from the Research Ethics Board of Health, Ministry of Health of Bhutan, the Institute Research Committee of the Khesar Gyelpo University of Medical sciences of Bhutan. The email will also include a QR code and URL to link to the website. Since the number of nurses was confirmed by the co-researcher, Pasang Wangmo, through email correspondence with the head nurses of all 51 facilities in Bhutan, it will be reconfirmed when requesting their participation. 2) Once consent is granted, the head nurses will share the information obtained in step 1) with nurse-midwives through their social networking groups. 3) Nurse-midwives at each facility can access the website via a QR code or URL. 4) Nurse-midwives at each facility will read the study information document posted on the website, and those who agree to participate will check the consent box on the questionnaire. 5) After completing all the steps above, proceed to the survey form and answer it. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The results will inform the development of an effective midwifery education system in Bhutan, enhancing midwifery capacity and improving health outcomes for mothers and children. |
| Keywords | midwifery; nurse-midwife; education; competency; Bhutan |
Research Details
| Student research | Yes |
| Institution: Kagawa Univiersity | |
| Academic degree: Ph.D. | |
| Supervisor of the student(s) | |
| Full Name and title: Pasang Wangmo | |
| Email: s24d751@kagawa-u.ac.jp | |
| Start Date | 24-Mar-2025 |
| End Date | 31-Mar-2027 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Kagawa University |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health |
| Research field(s) | Other (Midwifery Education) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Other (Cross sectional observational study) | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Approved |