BACKGROUND: As midwives' public health role evolves they may constitute a first source of enquiry for women seeking infertility treatment. The study aimed to investigate student and certified midwives' knowledge and educational needs regarding assisted reproduction issues. METHODS: Participants, 609 certified midwives (CMs) and 234 midwifery students, were recruited from the Midwifery department of the Highest Technological Institute of Thessaloniki. The questionnaire used assessed midwives': knowledge and educational needs about assisted reproduction technologies (ART) and opinion on their involvement in infertility treatment. RESULTS: Students were 4.3 (95% CI 2.65-7.21, p<.001) times more likely to lack information on ART. CMs were at least twice more likely to report that they need information on: infertility history taking (OR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.11-5.10), ART application (OR: 2.95, 95% CI 1.39-6.23) and provision of psychological support (OR: 2.75, 95% CI 1.33-5.70). CMs were more positive (p<.01) towards their involvement in infertility treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that midwives' lack knowledge on a range of ART issues and they appear to be ignorant as to their professional role in the field of ART. To successfully meet the needs of a growing clinical role, midwifery curricula continuing education programs should encompass issues pertaining to the entire reproductive health sector.
BACKGROUND: As midwives' public health role evolves they may constitute a first source of enquiry for women seeking infertility treatment. The study aimed to investigate student and certified midwives' knowledge and educational needs regarding assisted reproduction issues. METHODS:Participants, 609 certified midwives (CMs) and 234 midwifery students, were recruited from the Midwifery department of the Highest Technological Institute of Thessaloniki. The questionnaire used assessed midwives': knowledge and educational needs about assisted reproduction technologies (ART) and opinion on their involvement in infertility treatment. RESULTS: Students were 4.3 (95% CI 2.65-7.21, p<.001) times more likely to lack information on ART. CMs were at least twice more likely to report that they need information on: infertility history taking (OR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.11-5.10), ART application (OR: 2.95, 95% CI 1.39-6.23) and provision of psychological support (OR: 2.75, 95% CI 1.33-5.70). CMs were more positive (p<.01) towards their involvement in infertility treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that midwives' lack knowledge on a range of ART issues and they appear to be ignorant as to their professional role in the field of ART. To successfully meet the needs of a growing clinical role, midwifery curricula continuing education programs should encompass issues pertaining to the entire reproductive health sector.