128 | Chapter 6 FINDINGS The characteristics of the participants are presented in Table 1. The focus groups comprised of 46 participants; 35 of whom attended two meetings. Participants worked in the community (85%), in a hospital (11%) or in a combination of the two. Participants were mainly self-employed (54%), others worked as a locum midwife (20%) or were employed (26%). Almost three out of four participants had more than 10 years of working experience (72%). Table 1. Background characteristics of participants in group interviews Variable Participants N=46 (n (%)) Age < 30 31-40 41-50 > 50 7 (15) 8 (17) 17 (37) 14 (31) Country of initial education The Netherlands Belgium Other country 39 (85) 6 (13) 1 (02) Additional training/coaching Yes No 12 (26) 34 (74) Working context Community Hospital Combination of the two 39 (85) 5 (11) 2 (04) Working experience 0-3 years 4-10 years > 10 years 6 (13) 7 (15) 33 (72) Employment status Locum Self-employed Employed 9 (20) 25 (54) 12 (26) Firstly, we report on experienced midwives’ perceptions of NQMs in practice. Secondly, we report on the perceptions of support for NQMs in community settings and in hospital
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