Background Respectful and dignified care is an essential component of quality midwifery care. The woman-midwife relationship can have a powerful influence on women’s childbirth experiences. Little is known about the effectiveness of education interventions to promote students’ understanding of respectful maternity care (RMC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Aim To evaluate an online education intervention on nursing students’ perception of respectful maternity care during labour and childbirth.

Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post study design was used. Third year students (n = 89; intervention = 40; and control = 49) from three medical colleges in Nepal who had recently completed or were on their midwifery clinical practicum were recruited. Students in both groups completed online pre and post-test (2 weeks post-intervention) surveys. The intervention consisted of an online (synchronous) education module offered for two hours every week for three weeks. Outcome measures included the Students’ Perceptions of Respectful Maternity Care scale and open-ended questions about RMC.

Results Analysis of covariance revealed a significant increase in scores on the Students Perceptions of Respectful Maternity Care scale (F (1, 86) = 28.19, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.25). Quantitative findings were complemented by qualitative data. Thematic analysis of the open-ended responses revealed three themes i) empowerment through RMC; ii) motivation to initiate change; and iii) becoming a respectful clinician.

Conclusion This small online education intervention was successful in promoting students’ perceptions towards RMC. This could enhance the culture of respectful care and ultimately improve quality of maternity care services. The online module can be easily integrated into other midwifery and nursing curricula and may be adapted for use as in-service education module for maternity care staff in LMICs.