152 | Chapter 7 community practices, their position as a locum offers limited options to collaborate with fellow midwives.3 In theory, hospital settings do include formal orientation programmes, however such programmes are often impacted by staff shortages.2 Also, hospital-based NQMs need (but often do not have) an opportunity to work alongside fellow midwives, who can then act as role models and mentors or buddies.2 Studies in other countries have shown that support for NQPs has a positive impact on their wellbeing in practice. Introductory and orientation programmes have a positive impact on job satisfaction and commitment to the organisation, while preventing early turnover.12,13 Transition support influences job satisfaction,14-17 enhances feelings of self-confidence and competence,18 decreases stress16,17 and prevents early departure from the job.16,17 This support is particularly effective when it involves a range of elements, such as training, observation, contacts with peers and mentoring.14,16,19 In the Netherlands, there is no formal transition support for NQMs.4 However, a recent study among Dutch midwives suggests that they are aware that NQMs need support and that they are willing to offer it, provided that they are given the means to do so.4 Little information is available concerning the transition into community-based practice.7 However, 82% of Dutch NQMs work in community practice,1 so this is an ideal opportunity to study support for practising NQMs. Based on our current knowledge of effective transition support and on the recognised need to support Dutch NQMs in their professional practice, the aim of this study is to explore stakeholder consensus concerning viable components of support for NQMs working in midwifery care in the Netherlands. Research question Which components of support do stakeholders deem to be appropriate, in terms of improving the wellbeing of NQMs in Dutch midwifery practice? The outcomes of this study will provide us with a range of viable and applicable components of support for NQMs that are endorsed by a representative sample of stakeholders, and that professional maternity care organisations can implement in midwifery care in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS, ETHICS AND METHOD This qualitive study was conducted using a Delphi technique.20 This technique is defined as a multi-stage survey designed to achieve consensus among a group of experts on a given issue where none previously existed, or where there was uncertainty or lack of
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