Integrating Entrepreneurial Mindset Education into a Midwifery Curriculum

Abstract

Against the background of national media criticism of the maternity services, an attempt to illuminate the midwife’s
role as a change agent, was made in relation to the current literature on leadership. Whilst the concept of the change agent
is discussed as a pivotal role in midwifery leadership, less is understood about the skills and attributes midwives need to
develop, to become effective leaders. Moreover, even less is understood about the meaning of the change agent in the clinical
environment, when change, a nebulous concept, is typically associated with senior management roles. Using a case study,
the development and delivery of entrepreneurial mindset education for student midwives is explored in the context of
professional identity and their role as future leaders; and is framed as a necessity for personal and professional growth and
development. This paper will examine how the focus on Entrepreneurial Mindset Theory (EMT) presents a teachable
framework, in which skills, attributes and behaviours, can be explored to illustrate the synergy between entrepreneurial skills
and those expected of the professional midwife. Making enterprise education relevant to the professional role is crucial and
not without its challenges, therefore aligning curriculum content with programme objectives for practice learning and the
development of clinical proficiencies, is essential. Exploring the features and implications of adopting a growth mindset,
enables students to understand the importance of developing a strategic approach to navigate complex systems and
processes, and the relevance of a solution focused lens to address issues in an ever-changing and challenging maternity
environment. This paper illustrates that integrating entrepreneurial mindset education into the midwifery curriculum at its
core, offers students the opportunity to find clarity in their role and use their skills, knowledge and current evidence in a
creative and innovative way to make change happen, confirming that adopting an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial to the
professional role of the midwife and the future of midwifery.