Assisted reproduction and midwives: student and certified midwives' educational needs on reproductive biology.

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.