On 12–19 May, twenty-four students from the Midwifery study programme of the Faculty of Medicine of Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI), along with a lecturer Alina Liepinaitienė, performed an international practice Innovations and Interdisciplinary Communication in Nursing and Midwifery in Poland.

Remote discussions and analysis were held on how innovations and interdisciplinary communication can create conditions for midwives to improve, engage in scientific activities and be included in the midwifery study programme.

Midwifery students visited the Faculty of Medicine of Jagiellonian University where the university, its history, the development of midwifery and the involvement of midwives in the dissemination of science were presented to the students. The delegation from Kauno kolegija HEI was also given a lecture on midwifery innovations, development, opportunities and independent work in Poland. The possibilities of further cooperation, conducting scientific research and involving students in international activities were discussed.

The midwifery students were introduced to the university’s simulation centre, where they had the opportunity to work and resolve arising midwifery situations. The simulation centre impressed them with its size and the uniqueness of the procedures and simulations performed.

During the visit, the delegation had an opportunity to visit the John Paul II Hospital and practice at the Szpital Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where pregnancy care is exclusively managed by midwives.

After visiting the hospitals, students together with the lecturer participated in the Jagiellonian University’s art and science fair, where they conducted practical workshops.

The week ended in the biggest international student conference IMSC 2024, which lasted for 3 days and was attended by students from more than 45 countries around the world. Lithuania and the Faculty of Medicine of Kauno kolegija HEI were represented by the Midwifery study programme’s student Goda Labanauskaitė.

Out of more than 80 abstracts of various scientific research, three were selected for a presentation during the conference in the midwifery and nursing section. G. Labanauskaitė’s presentation Aromatherapy Uses During Pregnancy in Lithuania was selected as one of the three presentations in the midwifery section.

During the visit, the connection with the Jagiellonian University and its community was strengthened and future collaboration opportunities were planned.