The learning environment for student midwives is a complex one, attempting to balance the education received in the classroom with the teachings of those that facilitate them in the busy clinical setting. This research proposal is set to evaluate the relationship between midwifery students and their clinical learning environment in core midwifery placements, highlighting challenges to facilitate student learning while supporting and enhancing beneficial practices. This research proposes doing this using the clinical learning environment and supervision tool (CLES-tool). This tool has been widely tested and validated in the field of Nursing and has enjoyed success in positively highlighting difficulties and amending practice, increasing levels of satisfaction, competency and contributing to retention of students and graduates (Strandell-Laine 2019). This tool format is an online survey which focuses on five main areas including: (1) Student/Preceptor relationship; (2) Ward Manager commitment and leadership (3) Patient relationship and midwifery care; (4) Interpersonal relationships and frequency of supervisory interactions and (5) Student satisfaction.
The aim of this study is to use this tool to identify challenges, while simultaneously fostering positives beneficial practices that enhance student strengths, building on these in the hope of increasing productivity,knowledge, competencies and encouraging student and graduate retention. The CLES tools success in nursing practice encourages this first of its kind research in the field of midwifery practice. The importance of this study lies in its potential to guide and develop students and enhance their learning abilities in the clinical environment, facilitating easier transitions as they become autonomous practitioners.