The Effect of Distance Education On the Professional Competence and Academic Motivation of Midwifery Students: A Qualitative Study

With the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching model has been used for first time, and this led to significant changes in departments such as midwifery, where theory practice are combined. This study aimed determine effect of distance education on professional competence academic motivation midwifery students. was carried out at a national university Kastamonu, Türkiye between March September 2021. The adopted qualitative design, participants (n = 20) were third-year Data collected by conducting in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews using pilot-tested interview guide. conducted through webinars recorded. held relaxed calm environment both researchers present. with no more than two students one day records transcribed same day. Each lasted about 40 minutes. followed systematic data analysis procedure which is an appropriate method when aiming create knowledge based experiences meanings from cross-case analysis. closest graduating Faculty Health Sciences participated study. individual interviews, responses subsumed under following six themes: (1) ‘a new learning experience, (2) reluctance learn information, (3) inadequacy skills, (4) lack self-confidence, (5) not being able join multidisciplinary team, (6) anxiety future life'. It determined that many pleasing facilitating features well obstructive worrying aspects. In addition, negatively affected psychomotor skill development recommended institutions providing be aware difficulties experienced follow different methods skills training.