Trends and challenges in midwifery curriculum development: Impact on graduate quality

Gita Indri Puspitawanti, Ari Indra Susanti

Abstract


Midwifery training is a vital component of the healthcare system, as it significantly contributes to enhancing maternal and newborn care standards. The purpose of this research is to identify emerging patterns, challenges, and directions for developing an ideal and relevant midwifery education curriculum both nationally and globally. This study uses a literature review method. Articles were collected through a systematic search on PubMed from 2014 to 2024, using keywords related to midwifery curriculum, educational challenges, and graduate competencies. A total of 11 selected articles were analyzed. Findings from the research reveal that educational programs in midwifery face several challenges, including gaps between theory and practice, a lack of quality clinical training, and limited resources for teaching staff and facilities. This study emphasizes the importance of developing a competency-based curriculum that is responsive to local and global contexts and based on best practices. These results guide educational and academic bodies, as well as stakeholders, in designing a midwifery curriculum that produces competent, adaptable graduates ready to face the challenges of the current and future healthcare system.

 

Abstrak

Pelatihan kebidanan merupakan bagian penting dari sistem kesehatan karena memberikan kontribusi langsung dalam peningkatan standar perawatan ibu dan bayi baru lahir. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi pola, tantangan, dan arah yang muncul untuk pengembangan kurikulum pendidikan kebidanan yang ideal dan relevan baik secara nasional maupun global. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode telaah pustaka. Artikel dikumpulkan melalui pencarian sistematis di PubMed dalam periode 2014–2024 dengan menggunakan kata kunci yang terkait dengan kurikulum kebidanan, tantangan pendidikan, dan kompetensi lulusan. Sebanyak 11 artikel terpilih dianalisis. Temuan dari penelitian ini mengungkapkan bahwa program pendidikan di bidang kebidanan menghadapi tantangan seperti kesenjangan antara teori dan praktik, kurangnya pelatihan klinis yang berkualitas, dan terbatasnya staf pengajar dan fasilitas. Penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya mengembangkan kurikulum berbasis kompetensi yang responsif terhadap konteks lokal, global, dan berdasarkan praktik terbaik. Hasil ini berfungsi sebagai pedoman bagi badan akademis pendidikan dan pemangku kepentingan dalam merancang kurikulum kebidanan yang mampu menghasilkan lulusan yang kompeten, adaptif, dan siap menghadapi tantangan sistem kesehatan saat ini dan masa depan.

Kata Kunci: kompetensi lulusan; pengembangan kurikulum; pendidikan kebidanan


Keywords


curriculum development; graduate competence; midwifery education

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v4i1.84575

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Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development
Published by Curriculum Development Study Program
Faculty of Education - Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
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