Midwives’ perspectives of their ability to promote the oral health of pregnant women in Victoria, Australia

摘要: Background: Midwives have a potential role in promoting the oral health of pregnant women although they little formal training this area. The aim study was to explore perspectives midwives Victoria towards incorporating promotion into their antenatal practice after undergoing through Midwifery Initiated Oral Health (MIOH) online education program. Methods: A purposive sample thirty-nine from maternity services across Victoria, Australia were invited participate an MIOH program October 2012. included three self-paced modules covering screening, referral processes, and theoretical practical skill assessments. mixed methods design used capture perspectives. Evaluation questionnaires, completed pre- post-training, captured knowledge confidence (confidence likert scale), also five opened-ended questions post-training. Open-ended questions, feedback forms unsolicited emails formed data for qualitative analysis. Data analysed using content thematic analysis descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty-three demonstrated significant increase (51.5%) promote health. All participants viewed as suitable, acceptable useful happy recommend course other Victorian midwives. Participants indicated that it would be feasible incorporate first booking visit recognised within scope practice. Conclusions: This has shown is valued resource can assist skills key barrier identified time constraints during care visits. However, evident with relevant current engagement parts provides opportunity continue define professionals at state national level.