Donovan Jones - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Donovan Jones
Maternal and Child Health Journal
British Journal of Midwifery
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Aim: To report a pilot trial protocol for testing the effectiveness of the Support for New Mums s... more Aim: To report a pilot trial protocol for testing the effectiveness of the Support for New Mums smartphone application in a cohort of first-time mothers. Design: A pilot/feasibility randomized controlled trial using a two-group pre-test and repeated post-test design. Method: This protocol follows the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. The Intervention group will receive access to the smartphone application for 6 weeks post birth. Both Intervention and control groups will receive standardized institutional postnatal care services. Trial funding was gained from respective grant sponsors in May and November 2016. Discussion: The Support for New Mums smartphone application could be a novel method for addressing the gap in provision of postpartum care services providing psychoeducation and improving maternal parental self-efficacy for Australian childbearing women.
Journal of Nursing Education
International journal of nursing education scholarship, Jan 25, 2018
Background Empathic concern has been found to decline in health professional students. Few effect... more Background Empathic concern has been found to decline in health professional students. Few effective educational programs and a lack of validated scales are reported. Previous analysis of the Empathic Concern scale of the Emotional Response Questionnaire has reported both one and two latent constructs. Aim To evaluate the impact of simulation on nursing students' empathic concern and test the psychometric properties of the Empathic Concern scale. Methods The study used a one group pre-test post-test design with a convenience sample of 460 nursing students. Empathic concern was measured pre-post simulation with the Empathic Concern scale. Factor Analysis was undertaken to investigate the structure of the scale. Results There was a statistically significant increase in Empathic Concern scores between pre-simulation 5.57 (SD = 1.04) and post-simulation 6.10 (SD = 0.95). Factor analysis of the Empathic Concern scale identified one latent dimension. Conclusion Immersive simulation ma...
Nurse education in practice, 2018
Within the last decade, there has been significant change in the way tertiary midwifery education... more Within the last decade, there has been significant change in the way tertiary midwifery education has been delivered to students. The use of blended teaching methods and the introduction of simulated learning experiences has been observed in the literature to improve students' self-confidence, competence, clinical judgement and decision-making abilities. Simulation is seen to be particularly important when practising skills that may be infrequently encountered in practice, such as clinical emergencies. Neonatal resuscitation is the most common neonatal emergency encountered within midwifery today, with up to 15% of babies requiring some form of resuscitation at birth. Recent research describes the benefits of using a multi-modal approach to teaching neonatal resuscitation, utilising both theory and simulated learning methods. One emerging method of simulation is that of virtual reality (VR), which has been recognised for its enormous educational potential in risk-free clinical s...
Australian nursing & midwifery journal, Nov 1, 2016
Currently an online pilot project is underway through the University of Newcastle examining the b... more Currently an online pilot project is underway through the University of Newcastle examining the benefits of an online mindfulness program for men with pregnant partners at www.mindfulnessfordads.com.
American journal of men's health, Jul 29, 2016
More than 10% of fathers experience depression and anxiety during the perinatal period, but pater... more More than 10% of fathers experience depression and anxiety during the perinatal period, but paternal perinatal depression (PPND) and anxiety have received less attention than maternal perinatal mental health problems. Few mainstream treatment options are available for men with PPND and anxiety. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the current understanding of PPND and the treatment programs specifically designed for fathers with perinatal depression. Eight electronic databases were searched using a predefined strategy, and reference lists were also hand searched. PPND and anxiety were identified to have a negative impact on family relationships, as well as the health of mothers and children. Evidence suggests a lack of support and tailored treatment options for men having trouble adjusting to the transition to fatherhood. Of the limited options available, cognitive behavioral therapy, group work, and blended delivery programs, including e-support approaches appear to b...
Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2015
To determine the effect of immersive 3D cultural simulation on nursing students&a... more To determine the effect of immersive 3D cultural simulation on nursing students' empathy towards culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Accelerated globalisation has seen a significant increase in cultural diversity in most regions of the world over the past forty years. Clinical encounters that do not acknowledge cultural factors contribute to adverse patient outcomes and health care inequities for culturally and linguistically diverse people. Cultural empathy is an antecedent to cultural competence. Thus, appropriate educational strategies are needed to enhance nursing students' cultural empathy and the capacity to deliver culturally competent care. A one-group pretest, post-test design was used for this study. The simulation exposed students to an unfolding scene in a hospital ward of a developing county. A convenience sample of second-year undergraduate nursing students (n = 460) from a semi-metropolitan university in Australia were recruited for the study. Characteristics of the sample were summarised using descriptive statistics. T-tests were performed to analyse the differences between pre- and post simulation empathy scores using an eight item modified version of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale. Students' empathy towards culturally and linguistically diverse patients significantly improved after exposure to the 3D simulation experience. The mean scores for the Perspective Taking and Valuing Affective Empathy subscales also increased significantly postsimulation. The immersive 3D simulation had a positive impact on nursing students' empathy levels in regards to culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Research with other cohorts and in other contexts is required to further explore the impact of this educational approach. Immersive cultural simulation experiences offer opportunities to enhance the cultural empathy of nursing students. This may in turn have a positive impact on their cultural competence and consequently the quality of care they provide to culturally and linguistically diverse patients.
Nurse Education Today, 2011
Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulat... more Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale, an instrument designed to measure and compare differences in satisfaction levels between nursing students exposed to medium and high fidelity human patient simulation manikins. Background: Student satisfaction is important to engaged and meaningful learning and it facilitates active and purposeful participation in simulation experiences. There are suggestions that student satisfaction may have some correlation with performance. Few studies have explored in a rigorous way the impact of manikin fidelity on nursing students' satisfaction with simulation experiences. Method: The items for the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale were identified following a critical review of the literature. Content validly was established by use of an expert panel. During 2009 and 2010 the instrument was tested with second year (n = 268) and third year nursing students (n = 76) from one Australian university. Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the scale's internal consistency reliability. Differences in satisfaction levels between groups were analysed using an independent t test. Responses to an open ended question were categorised using thematic content analysis. Results: The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha 0.77). Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-component structure termed Debriefing and Reflection, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Learning; each subscale demonstrated high internal consistency: 0.94; 0.86; 0.85 respectively. Mean satisfaction scores were high for each group. However, statistically significant differences were not apparent between second or third year students exposed to medium and high fidelity manikins. Content analysis identified 13 main categories including supplementing versus replacing clinical placements and the need for increased exposure to simulation sessions. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that simulation is highly valued by students, irrespective of the level of fidelity. This raises questions about the value of investing in expensive simulation modalities. The Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale was reliable and valid for this cohort. Further research in different contexts would be valuable in extending upon this work.
For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some... more For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some however, the inevitable stressors and necessary adjustment(s) to parenthood can be overwhelming and as a result their mental health can suffer. The early detection of mood disorders among fathers and the provision of support during the perinatal period are important for the wellbeing of fathers, their families and the wider community. Conditions such as depression and anxiety during the perinatal period however can be common and there are effective treatments available. What has been lacking in the research about fathers during the perinatal period is a way to identify fathers in need and to provide them with appropriate gender orientated levels of support. The National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI) (Department of Health, 2009) is a program of screening and treatment already available for mothers in Australia. However, simply mimicking the NPDI in an attempt to address fathers&...
Nurse Education Today, 2011
Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulat... more Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale, an instrument designed to measure and compare differences in satisfaction levels between nursing students exposed to medium and high fidelity human patient simulation manikins. Background: Student satisfaction is important to engaged and meaningful learning and it facilitates active and purposeful participation in simulation experiences. There are suggestions that student satisfaction may have some correlation with performance. Few studies have explored in a rigorous way the impact of manikin fidelity on nursing students' satisfaction with simulation experiences. Method: The items for the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale were identified following a critical review of the literature. Content validly was established by use of an expert panel. During 2009 and 2010 the instrument was tested with second year (n = 268) and third year nursing students (n = 76) from one Australian university. Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the scale's internal consistency reliability. Differences in satisfaction levels between groups were analysed using an independent t test. Responses to an open ended question were categorised using thematic content analysis. Results: The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha 0.77). Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-component structure termed Debriefing and Reflection, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Learning; each subscale demonstrated high internal consistency: 0.94; 0.86; 0.85 respectively. Mean satisfaction scores were high for each group. However, statistically significant differences were not apparent between second or third year students exposed to medium and high fidelity manikins. Content analysis identified 13 main categories including supplementing versus replacing clinical placements and the need for increased exposure to simulation sessions. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that simulation is highly valued by students, irrespective of the level of fidelity. This raises questions about the value of investing in expensive simulation modalities. The Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale was reliable and valid for this cohort. Further research in different contexts would be valuable in extending upon this work.
Australian nursing & midwifery journal, 2015
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Jan 21, 2016
National statistics related specifically to the mental health of women in the perinatal period is... more National statistics related specifically to the mental health of women in the perinatal period is poorly acknowledged in Australia. Maternal deaths related to mental health in the perinatal period can be attributed to a lack of appropriate treatment and/or support. A barrier to women's help-seeking behaviors is the lack of discrete, perinatal specific interventions where women can self-assess and access support. This review examines original research evaluating perinatal mental health interventions used by women to improve mental health. An integrative literature review was undertaken. A comprehensive search strategy using 5 electronic databases resulted in the retrieval of 1898 articles. Use of an inclusion and exclusion criteria and Critical Appraisal Skills Program tools resulted in 4 original research papers. Thematic analysis identified universal themes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation and Mindfulness-based interventions, specifically adapted to meet the...
Australian nursing & midwifery journal
For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some... more For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some however, the inevitable stressors and necessary adjustment(s) to parenthood can be overwhelming and as a result their mental health can suffer. The early detection of mood disorders among fathers and the provision of support during the perinatal period are important for the wellbeing of fathers, their families and the wider community. Conditions such as depression and anxiety during the perinatal period however can be common and there are effective treatments available. What has been lacking in the research about fathers during the perinatal period is a way to identify fathers in need and to provide them with appropriate gender orientated levels of support. The National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI) (Department of Health, 2009) is a program of screening and treatment already available for mothers in Australia. However, simply mimicking the NPDI in an attempt to address fathers&...
Nurse Education in Practice, 2015
Discussions continue within the midwifery profession around the number of and type of clinical ex... more Discussions continue within the midwifery profession around the number of and type of clinical experiences required to ensure competent midwifery graduates. Introduction of the three year Bachelor of Midwifery in Australia, almost two decades ago, was intended to reduce the pressure students were under to complete their academic requirements whilst ensuring students developed midwifery practice that encapsulates the philosophical values of midwifery. Currently, midwifery students are mandated to achieve a minimum number of clinical skills and Continuity of Care Experience (CCE) relationships in order to register upon completion of their degree. To achieve these experiences, universities require students to complete a number of clinical practicum hours. Furthermore students are required to demonstrate competent clinical performance of a number of clinical skills. However, there is no evidence to date that a set number of experiences or hours ensures professional competence in the clinical environment. The aim of this paper is to promote discussion regarding the mandated requirements for allocated clinical practicum hours, specified numbers of clinical-based skills and CCE relationships in the context of learning to be a midwife in Australia.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
British Journal of Midwifery
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Aim: To report a pilot trial protocol for testing the effectiveness of the Support for New Mums s... more Aim: To report a pilot trial protocol for testing the effectiveness of the Support for New Mums smartphone application in a cohort of first-time mothers. Design: A pilot/feasibility randomized controlled trial using a two-group pre-test and repeated post-test design. Method: This protocol follows the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. The Intervention group will receive access to the smartphone application for 6 weeks post birth. Both Intervention and control groups will receive standardized institutional postnatal care services. Trial funding was gained from respective grant sponsors in May and November 2016. Discussion: The Support for New Mums smartphone application could be a novel method for addressing the gap in provision of postpartum care services providing psychoeducation and improving maternal parental self-efficacy for Australian childbearing women.
Journal of Nursing Education
International journal of nursing education scholarship, Jan 25, 2018
Background Empathic concern has been found to decline in health professional students. Few effect... more Background Empathic concern has been found to decline in health professional students. Few effective educational programs and a lack of validated scales are reported. Previous analysis of the Empathic Concern scale of the Emotional Response Questionnaire has reported both one and two latent constructs. Aim To evaluate the impact of simulation on nursing students' empathic concern and test the psychometric properties of the Empathic Concern scale. Methods The study used a one group pre-test post-test design with a convenience sample of 460 nursing students. Empathic concern was measured pre-post simulation with the Empathic Concern scale. Factor Analysis was undertaken to investigate the structure of the scale. Results There was a statistically significant increase in Empathic Concern scores between pre-simulation 5.57 (SD = 1.04) and post-simulation 6.10 (SD = 0.95). Factor analysis of the Empathic Concern scale identified one latent dimension. Conclusion Immersive simulation ma...
Nurse education in practice, 2018
Within the last decade, there has been significant change in the way tertiary midwifery education... more Within the last decade, there has been significant change in the way tertiary midwifery education has been delivered to students. The use of blended teaching methods and the introduction of simulated learning experiences has been observed in the literature to improve students' self-confidence, competence, clinical judgement and decision-making abilities. Simulation is seen to be particularly important when practising skills that may be infrequently encountered in practice, such as clinical emergencies. Neonatal resuscitation is the most common neonatal emergency encountered within midwifery today, with up to 15% of babies requiring some form of resuscitation at birth. Recent research describes the benefits of using a multi-modal approach to teaching neonatal resuscitation, utilising both theory and simulated learning methods. One emerging method of simulation is that of virtual reality (VR), which has been recognised for its enormous educational potential in risk-free clinical s...
Australian nursing & midwifery journal, Nov 1, 2016
Currently an online pilot project is underway through the University of Newcastle examining the b... more Currently an online pilot project is underway through the University of Newcastle examining the benefits of an online mindfulness program for men with pregnant partners at www.mindfulnessfordads.com.
American journal of men's health, Jul 29, 2016
More than 10% of fathers experience depression and anxiety during the perinatal period, but pater... more More than 10% of fathers experience depression and anxiety during the perinatal period, but paternal perinatal depression (PPND) and anxiety have received less attention than maternal perinatal mental health problems. Few mainstream treatment options are available for men with PPND and anxiety. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the current understanding of PPND and the treatment programs specifically designed for fathers with perinatal depression. Eight electronic databases were searched using a predefined strategy, and reference lists were also hand searched. PPND and anxiety were identified to have a negative impact on family relationships, as well as the health of mothers and children. Evidence suggests a lack of support and tailored treatment options for men having trouble adjusting to the transition to fatherhood. Of the limited options available, cognitive behavioral therapy, group work, and blended delivery programs, including e-support approaches appear to b...
Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2015
To determine the effect of immersive 3D cultural simulation on nursing students&a... more To determine the effect of immersive 3D cultural simulation on nursing students' empathy towards culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Accelerated globalisation has seen a significant increase in cultural diversity in most regions of the world over the past forty years. Clinical encounters that do not acknowledge cultural factors contribute to adverse patient outcomes and health care inequities for culturally and linguistically diverse people. Cultural empathy is an antecedent to cultural competence. Thus, appropriate educational strategies are needed to enhance nursing students' cultural empathy and the capacity to deliver culturally competent care. A one-group pretest, post-test design was used for this study. The simulation exposed students to an unfolding scene in a hospital ward of a developing county. A convenience sample of second-year undergraduate nursing students (n = 460) from a semi-metropolitan university in Australia were recruited for the study. Characteristics of the sample were summarised using descriptive statistics. T-tests were performed to analyse the differences between pre- and post simulation empathy scores using an eight item modified version of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale. Students' empathy towards culturally and linguistically diverse patients significantly improved after exposure to the 3D simulation experience. The mean scores for the Perspective Taking and Valuing Affective Empathy subscales also increased significantly postsimulation. The immersive 3D simulation had a positive impact on nursing students' empathy levels in regards to culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Research with other cohorts and in other contexts is required to further explore the impact of this educational approach. Immersive cultural simulation experiences offer opportunities to enhance the cultural empathy of nursing students. This may in turn have a positive impact on their cultural competence and consequently the quality of care they provide to culturally and linguistically diverse patients.
Nurse Education Today, 2011
Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulat... more Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale, an instrument designed to measure and compare differences in satisfaction levels between nursing students exposed to medium and high fidelity human patient simulation manikins. Background: Student satisfaction is important to engaged and meaningful learning and it facilitates active and purposeful participation in simulation experiences. There are suggestions that student satisfaction may have some correlation with performance. Few studies have explored in a rigorous way the impact of manikin fidelity on nursing students' satisfaction with simulation experiences. Method: The items for the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale were identified following a critical review of the literature. Content validly was established by use of an expert panel. During 2009 and 2010 the instrument was tested with second year (n = 268) and third year nursing students (n = 76) from one Australian university. Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the scale's internal consistency reliability. Differences in satisfaction levels between groups were analysed using an independent t test. Responses to an open ended question were categorised using thematic content analysis. Results: The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha 0.77). Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-component structure termed Debriefing and Reflection, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Learning; each subscale demonstrated high internal consistency: 0.94; 0.86; 0.85 respectively. Mean satisfaction scores were high for each group. However, statistically significant differences were not apparent between second or third year students exposed to medium and high fidelity manikins. Content analysis identified 13 main categories including supplementing versus replacing clinical placements and the need for increased exposure to simulation sessions. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that simulation is highly valued by students, irrespective of the level of fidelity. This raises questions about the value of investing in expensive simulation modalities. The Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale was reliable and valid for this cohort. Further research in different contexts would be valuable in extending upon this work.
For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some... more For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some however, the inevitable stressors and necessary adjustment(s) to parenthood can be overwhelming and as a result their mental health can suffer. The early detection of mood disorders among fathers and the provision of support during the perinatal period are important for the wellbeing of fathers, their families and the wider community. Conditions such as depression and anxiety during the perinatal period however can be common and there are effective treatments available. What has been lacking in the research about fathers during the perinatal period is a way to identify fathers in need and to provide them with appropriate gender orientated levels of support. The National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI) (Department of Health, 2009) is a program of screening and treatment already available for mothers in Australia. However, simply mimicking the NPDI in an attempt to address fathers&...
Nurse Education Today, 2011
Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulat... more Aim: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale, an instrument designed to measure and compare differences in satisfaction levels between nursing students exposed to medium and high fidelity human patient simulation manikins. Background: Student satisfaction is important to engaged and meaningful learning and it facilitates active and purposeful participation in simulation experiences. There are suggestions that student satisfaction may have some correlation with performance. Few studies have explored in a rigorous way the impact of manikin fidelity on nursing students' satisfaction with simulation experiences. Method: The items for the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale were identified following a critical review of the literature. Content validly was established by use of an expert panel. During 2009 and 2010 the instrument was tested with second year (n = 268) and third year nursing students (n = 76) from one Australian university. Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the scale's internal consistency reliability. Differences in satisfaction levels between groups were analysed using an independent t test. Responses to an open ended question were categorised using thematic content analysis. Results: The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha 0.77). Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-component structure termed Debriefing and Reflection, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Learning; each subscale demonstrated high internal consistency: 0.94; 0.86; 0.85 respectively. Mean satisfaction scores were high for each group. However, statistically significant differences were not apparent between second or third year students exposed to medium and high fidelity manikins. Content analysis identified 13 main categories including supplementing versus replacing clinical placements and the need for increased exposure to simulation sessions. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that simulation is highly valued by students, irrespective of the level of fidelity. This raises questions about the value of investing in expensive simulation modalities. The Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale was reliable and valid for this cohort. Further research in different contexts would be valuable in extending upon this work.
Australian nursing & midwifery journal, 2015
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Jan 21, 2016
National statistics related specifically to the mental health of women in the perinatal period is... more National statistics related specifically to the mental health of women in the perinatal period is poorly acknowledged in Australia. Maternal deaths related to mental health in the perinatal period can be attributed to a lack of appropriate treatment and/or support. A barrier to women's help-seeking behaviors is the lack of discrete, perinatal specific interventions where women can self-assess and access support. This review examines original research evaluating perinatal mental health interventions used by women to improve mental health. An integrative literature review was undertaken. A comprehensive search strategy using 5 electronic databases resulted in the retrieval of 1898 articles. Use of an inclusion and exclusion criteria and Critical Appraisal Skills Program tools resulted in 4 original research papers. Thematic analysis identified universal themes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation and Mindfulness-based interventions, specifically adapted to meet the...
Australian nursing & midwifery journal
For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some... more For many men, the birth of a child enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. For some however, the inevitable stressors and necessary adjustment(s) to parenthood can be overwhelming and as a result their mental health can suffer. The early detection of mood disorders among fathers and the provision of support during the perinatal period are important for the wellbeing of fathers, their families and the wider community. Conditions such as depression and anxiety during the perinatal period however can be common and there are effective treatments available. What has been lacking in the research about fathers during the perinatal period is a way to identify fathers in need and to provide them with appropriate gender orientated levels of support. The National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI) (Department of Health, 2009) is a program of screening and treatment already available for mothers in Australia. However, simply mimicking the NPDI in an attempt to address fathers&...
Nurse Education in Practice, 2015
Discussions continue within the midwifery profession around the number of and type of clinical ex... more Discussions continue within the midwifery profession around the number of and type of clinical experiences required to ensure competent midwifery graduates. Introduction of the three year Bachelor of Midwifery in Australia, almost two decades ago, was intended to reduce the pressure students were under to complete their academic requirements whilst ensuring students developed midwifery practice that encapsulates the philosophical values of midwifery. Currently, midwifery students are mandated to achieve a minimum number of clinical skills and Continuity of Care Experience (CCE) relationships in order to register upon completion of their degree. To achieve these experiences, universities require students to complete a number of clinical practicum hours. Furthermore students are required to demonstrate competent clinical performance of a number of clinical skills. However, there is no evidence to date that a set number of experiences or hours ensures professional competence in the clinical environment. The aim of this paper is to promote discussion regarding the mandated requirements for allocated clinical practicum hours, specified numbers of clinical-based skills and CCE relationships in the context of learning to be a midwife in Australia.