Perceived experience of neonatal subspecialty Students of Developmental Care Education: A Qualitative Study

Abstract The world’s advanced educational systems continuously revise their objectives and activities to develop the students’ competency which in turn leads to provision of a more accurate and ideal care for patients in the real world. The aim of this study was to determine the neonatal subspecialty students’ perceived experience of developmental care in their educational course. This qualitative study was carried out on 10 neonatal subspecialty students at Medical Universities of Tehran city. The data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. After written consents, the interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed through an inductive approach of content analysis. The strategies for results validation included continuous observations in the field, and supervision and review of the analysis process by research team. The main themes were found as competencies admitting to course, structural and functional constraints of education, challenging curriculum, lack of structure and process of developmental care in health systems. It is suggested to revise the educational programs in the field of neonatology and perinatal conditions and provide appropriate educational programs to help graduates in getting ready for their new roles in developmental care.