Midwifery education in Malta : a decadal review and future directions

Abstract

In the 21st century, midwifery education has undergone significant transformations to address the evolving demands of healthcare. This education is essential for preparing midwives with the knowledge and skills required to provide competent, high-quality care to women and newborns across the continuum of pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Over the past decade, midwifery education in Malta has undergone substantial changes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, mirroring broader trends in healthcare education, shifting societal needs, advances in evidence-based practices, and the specific demands of the local midwifery workforce. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of midwifery education at the Department of Midwifery within the University of Malta (UM) over the past decade. It highlights key curricular developments, pedagogical innovations, and the integration of technology into teaching methods. The chapter also discusses the strengths of the current educational framework, ongoing challenges, and strategies for further enhancement, ensuring that midwifery education remains responsive to the dynamic needs of student midwives, the midwifery profession, the healthcare system, and society as a whole.