Indigenous-focused education in nursing and midwifery: a systematic review.
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Indigenous peoples remain underrepresented in nursing and midwifery despite the importance of Indigenous health professionals in providing culturally safe care and reducing health inequities. The aim was to identify strategies to improve access to nursing and midwifery education, support retention of Indigenous students, and document their reported impacts.A systematic review was conducted according to Cochrane methodological expectations (MECIR) and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched up to March 5, 2026. Eligible studies focused on Indigenous nursing and/or midwifery students and described programs, initiatives, or strategies to improve access or retention. Data were synthesized using an iterative thematic approach.Twenty-three studies (2000–2025) were included. Three themes emerged. Systemic strategies comprised indigenized curricula, institutional flexibility, institutional support, cultural safety, and financial and material support. Individual strategies included personal motivation, Indigenous peer support, adaptation to academic life, affirmation of cultural identity, and family and friends’ support. Evidence suggested positive effects on culturally safe care, patient experiences, and academic success, although Indigenous students continued to have lower graduation rates than non-Indigenous peers where reported. Improving access and retention requires both institutional transformation and support for students’ individual strengths, informing future initiatives to strengthen Indigenous representation and culturally safe care.
Source: EdArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204664513