Longitudinal Study of Midwifery Graduates in PNG

WHO CC involvement: Alison Moores, Professor Caroline Homer, Amanda Neill

As part of the MCHI, WHO CC UTS in collaboration with the PNG National Department of Health has conducted a longitudinal study to track midwifery graduates from the 2012 and 2013 cohorts. A mixed methods approach was used with surveys, interviews and focus groups. The aim of the study is to track workforce participation trends and experiences in PNG midwifery graduates, and identify personal and organisational factors that influence the workforce participation of these graduates.

Data were collected from graduates and their managers and supervisors. The study was led by Alison Moores, Caroline Homer and the team at the WHO CC UTS and we also have a research team in PNG including Ms Mary Killilo, Dr Nancy Buasi, Dr Nina Joseph and Paula Puawe. Ethical approval was granted by both UTS Ethics and Medical Research Advisory Committee in PNG.

This study is significant as it represents the first ever study to examine the workforce experiences and outcomes of midwifery graduates in PNG. The findings from this study will be important for relevant stakeholders to guide and inform midwifery education programming in Papua New Guinea and the development of supportive strategies for new graduate midwives. The findings will also assist in the workforce development strategies provided by the NDoH, PNG Midwifery Society and other groups.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.