Experiences of Expert Midwives in a Training Program Aimed at Decreasing Perineal Tears

This descriptive study explored the roles and responsibilities of expert midwives involved in teaching staff from midwifery students to senior consultants/physicians. We have earlier conducted an intervention project, aimed at decreasing the number of anal sphincter tears. During this intervention a local core team of expert midwives was established. These experts continued the training of colleagues after the midwife instructor had fulfilled the active training period. Eighteen expert midwives from the four Norwegian hospitals which took part in this training program were recruited. To explore the views and experiences of these expert midwives, a questionnaire was completed, and the results were analyzed qualitatively. Before starting the program 24% of the midwives, working at the delivery ward were negative towards the supervision and project, while 46% were positive. One year after the program’s start 92% were positive.Negative feedback at the beginning of the intervention came mostly from the media and professional midwifery organizations. The expert midwives felt that doctors were the most challenging to teach. The response from pregnant women was ultimately positive.Eighteen well motivated midwives became highly appreciated experts after an intensive training program and deemed themselves better and more successful professionals than before.   Key words: Delivery, anal sphincter rupture, prevention, qualitative research, interdisciplinary education.