Comparison of midwives’ self‐perceived essential competencies between low and high maternal mortality ratio provinces in China

Aims and objectives To present and compare midwives’ self‐perceived essential competencies in regions with different maternal mortality ratios, and explore possible competency‐related factors. Background In China, there is an urgent need for high‐quality maternal health care with equal access, as the regional disparity in the maternal mortality ratio remains a big challenge. Midwives’ essential competencies refer to the minimum knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required by midwives, and directly affect the quality of maternal care they provide. However, there is very limited literature evaluating Chinese midwives’ essential competencies, especially for midwives working in regions with high maternal mortality ratios. Design A cross‐sectional survey design. Methods The national cross‐sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted with a convenience sample of 2,022 midwives working in regions with different maternal mortality ratios. The STROBE guideline for cross‐sectional studies was used in this study. Results Midwives rated themselves higher on their essential competencies in intrapartum care and lower on their essential competencies in assisting or performing the operative vaginal delivery. Specifically, when compared to those from regions of low maternal mortality ratios, midwives from regions with high maternal mortality ratios reported comparatively poor self‐perceived essential competencies, especially in the area of detecting and treating pregnancy and childbirth‐related complications. The factors influencing midwives’ self‐perceived essential competencies included majors, education levels, years of experience as a midwife, participation in teaching, and access to in‐service training. Conclusion In regions with high maternal mortality ratios, improving midwives’ essential competencies is a key priority. Furthermore, it is recommended that midwifery education could be conducted in universities, and relevant regulations could be developed to enable midwives to provide a wider scope of care, thereby promoting the development of the midwifery workforce in China. Relevance to clinical practice Understanding self‐perceived essential competencies of Chinese midwives working in regions with different maternal mortality ratios could guide the midwifery workforce, management, especially midwives’ capability building.