Exploratory study of an e-mentoring professional coaching model of novice midwives in Morocco

Introduction: there is a high proportion of novice midwives assigned to healthcare centers located in rural area difficult to access geographically. To improve professional communication and professionalization of these novice midwives, ementoring is proposed as a solution to consolidate support of the novice midwives. The aim of our research is to explore the feasibility and the acceptability of an e-mentoring professional coaching model of midwives in our geographic and professional context. Methods: an exploratory study targeted the Newly Recruited Midwives (NRMW) having less than two years of practice (N = 31) in northern Morocco. The model is inserted in a "Slack" free software where two mentors admitted the NRMW who consented to participate (N=21) in our study. The mentors ensured a synchronous and asynchronous assistance to the participants in their workplace through this platform. A questionnaire was self-administered by the participants in the first meeting. It assessed the professional skills of the participants and their coaching and training needs. The mentors shared documents and set activities in the channels of the platform. Public channels and forums have been launched. The model lasted from April 22 to May 22, 2019. Results: participation rate was 67.7% (21/31). The interactivity with the platform was uninterrupted through the period test. A high level of digital familiarization was noted. A proportion of 95% expressed the willingness to participate in an ementoring professional coaching model associated with a remote mentor permanently. Conclusion: the continuous interactivity of novice midwives with the e-mentoring model showed that it is feasible and acceptable in our context. Such model will solve the problems experienced by midwives in their workplace without delay or additive fees.