How to improve newly qualified midwives’ wellbeing in practice. A Delphi study | 159 The participants highlighted the importance of NQMs, indicating that they see NQMs as team members of equal standing, even though NQMs are not yet fully functional in their professional role. No consensus was reached on statements 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 16 (Table 3). The analysis of the remarks per statement produced the following findings: The participants commented that, in community practice, there are insufficient opportunities to give locum NQMs a proper introduction (Statement 1). Several participants remarked that, because locum midwives work with billable hours, introductory programmes would be too costly. The participants indicated that, for NQMs, the ability to choose their workplace was more important than a stable workplace (Statement 4). They pointed out that a varied range of working environments are beneficial to an NQM’s development. The participants did not prioritise the benefits of a regional commitment to supporting NQMs (Statement 5). In their remarks, they questioned the importance of such commitments. The participants’ remarks revealed that providing backup for NQMs in community practice was not a viable option (Statement 6). Backup requires midwives to be available 24/7, which is impossible in a small practice. The participants also stated that a backup period of one year would be too long, and that arranging for backup facilities imposes an increased workload on practising midwives. Table 3. Findings from Round 1 (N = 56) and Round 2 (N = 52) of the Delphi study, including statements, importance (Imp.(%)), applicability (Appl). (median and interquartile range (IQR)) and consensus, representing stakeholders in midwifery care in the Netherlands
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