Unintended pregnancy prevention and care — Pivotal but passed over in curriculum: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of nursing and midwifery faculty

Background Nurses and midwives are well-placed to support the one-in-four Australian women who experience an unintended pregnancy. However, these clinicians may not possess the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality unintended pregnancy prevention and care (UPPC). Research is needed to evaluate the coverage of this topic in the entry-to-practice nursing and midwifery curricula. Aim To explore, from the educator’s perspective, what UPPC content is delivered as part of Australian entry to practice nursing and midwifery curricula. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using an instrument adapted from Hewitt and Cappiello’s essential nursing education competencies for prevention and care related to unintended pregnancy. Nursing and midwifery faculty members from Australian institutions offering entry-to-practice programs were eligible to participate. Results Forty-four people representing all jurisdictions, except Tasmania, participated. Ninety-five per cent of respondents agreed that nursing and midwifery students should be taught UPPC content. However, only 3 of the 29 identified competencies associated with this content, anatomy and physiology, communication skills, and health history taking, were identified as core curriculum. Conclusion Nursing and midwifery faculty believe UPPC content should be taught in entry-to-practice programs, however, it is poorly and inconsistently covered. Ensuring graduates have the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate care in this field will require a review of the current nursing and midwifery practice standards and an increase in related clinical and classroom hours.