We have responded to the NMC’s consultation on practice learning. In our response, we welcomed the NMC’s proposals to strengthen practice learning standards for nursing and midwifery students. We suggested that the standards could place greater emphasis on multidisciplinary learning and collaborative practice, particularly for student midwives learning alongside obstetricians and other maternity professionals.
Drawing on recent maternity reviews, we highlighted the importance of effective teamwork, communication and shared decision-making across professional boundaries. We encouraged the NMC to consider whether more explicit expectations for joint learning and exposure to collaborative decision-making in practice settings could help improve safety and outcomes for women and babies.