MIDIRS Essence > April 2010 > Student/Tutor feature

MIDIRS online educational resources – a guide for students and tutors: part 1

Originally posted on Apr 2010

Keeping abreast of the latest research evidence and practice developments, and more importantly ensuring that these are applied whilst studying and in midwifery practice, can sometimes be confusing and daunting; never more so than when you are embarking on your chosen career pathway of becoming a midwife.

With an abundance of information currently available for maternity health care professionals via both the internet and hard copy publications, MIDIRS aims to provide a clearly signposted route to the best available evidence-based information and practice tools which support students on their journey through midwifery education to graduation and professional registration.

This article, the first in a series, aims to guide those students who are less familiar with MIDIRS through its portfolio of services, and to demonstrate how those resources can assist them in their studies. Registered midwives, acting as mentors to student midwives, can also benefit from the resources’ continuing professional development focus.

A key feature of MIDIRS services and one which sets it apart from other mainstream student learning resources, is the sheer scope and strength of the information provided. The full spectrum of midwifery practice relating to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period up to the first year of life is covered by MIDIRS resources, all of which aim to help develop knowledge, theory and understanding of midwifery, both academically and in practice.

MIDIRS services come highly recommended.

Newly qualified midwife, Kristen Goodall, said ‘I have found MIDIRS to be an invaluable service throughout my studies.
MIDIRS Student website contains many useful articles, podcasts and reference material. The online service was an essential tool and was always the first database I turned to before writing any assignment. Often there were Standard Searches available to me which enabled me to quickly and easily access the articles I needed. However, if the subject area was more unique it was extremely helpful that I could contact the in-house librarian team who were always more than happy to help me in my search for articles and references’.

‘As a student I made great use of the Informed Choice products when writing reflective pieces. The ‘for women’ versions of these titles were also essential in my preparation for teaching antenatal classes. Overall, I have found MIDIRS excellent value for money as a student and now as a midwife as I continue to meet my PREP requirements’.

MIDIRS Student Information Packs

The first introduction to
MIDIRS services is often via a student’s tutor at the very start of their midwifery course. At this point, by prior arrangement, students receive their MIDIRS Student Information pack (over 3000 student packs are currently distributed to universities throughout the year).

This free resource is designed to give first year midwifery students an insight into how MIDIRS products and services can assist them in their studies and midwifery practice. Contained in an A5 wallet folder, information on
MIDIRS services, plus separate samples of MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, Informed Choice leaflets (professionals' and women's versions) and a current copy of the NCT Perspective magazine for health care professionals are also included. From 1st June 2010, students will also receive a sample of MIDIRS new monthly journal, Essentially MIDIRS. Students reading this article, who have not received an information pack, should contact their midwifery tutor in the first instance.

Similarly, tutors who wish to order packs for their new intake of students during 2010 can do so by visiting www.midirs.org and clicking on ‘sign-up’ at the top right hand corner of the page. Following registration, the user will be able to access the 'My account' section, where MIDIRS student information packs can be ordered.

The dedicated website for students www.midirs.org/student is an excellent place to start for anyone new to MIDIRS services. Equally important is MIDIRS free e-alert system, which aims to keep customers updated with the latest news and developments surrounding MIDIRS services. Visit www.midirs.org/register.

Alternatively, email enquiries@midirs.org or call freephone 0800 581 009 (UK) or +44 117 9251791 (from overseas) for further assistance.

MIDIRS | Photo credit: © Yuri Arcurs - Fotolia.com

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