Racialized Student Midwives’ Exploration of Resilience in the Ontario Midwifery Education Program: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Examen de la résilience des étudiantes racisées du programme ontarien d’enseignement de la pratique sage-femme : étude descriptive qualitative

Abstract

Background: Resilience is often positioned as a response that empowers midwives and midwifery students to cope with challenges and support professional longevity. However, formally documented understandings of resilience do not account for the unique and varying experiences of racialized midwifery students. In order to address this gap, we asked the following research question: “How do racialized midwifery students in Ontario experience resilience?”

Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews. We recruited current and past students who attended the midwifery education program in Ontario via email, social media, and word of mouth. We asked interested participants to complete an online demographic questionnaire via REDCap. Two investigators, a midwifery student and a midwife who both identify as racialized, co-facilitated focus groups that were held in person in Toronto and Hamilton and online. We used REDCap to generate descriptive statistics summarizing the demographic characteristics of participants. One investigator transcribed audio recordings of the focus groups. We managed and analyzed transcripts in NVivo. Two investigators conducted open coding of all the transcripts together. Coding results were then discussed with a third investigator to formulate categories and themes.

Key Findings: A total of 16 participants took part in four focus groups in August 2019. Racialized students understand and experience resilience in varying and complex ways. We identified five major themes pertaining to resilience: “defining” resilience, mental toll, active vs. passive coping, individual vs. collective resilience, and agency. Additional themes beyond resilience included systemic exclusion, whiteness, and midwifery culture in the Midwifery Education Program.

Implications: Our findings provide specific insights that should be used to guide efforts to improve the experiences of racialized midwifery students throughout their time in the Ontario Midwifery Education Program.

This article has been peer reviewed.