Unit rationale, description and aim
In this foundational midwifery unit within the Bachelor of Midwifery, the underpinning knowledge, philosophies, roles and practice of midwifery are introduced. Students develop their knowledge of women's health, normal human anatomy and physiology and health assessment, including the alterations and changes in normal pregnancy. Students are introduced to foundational midwifery assessment skills. Collaborative and autonomous aspects of midwifery practice are explored in relation to primary health care principles and the scope of midwifery practice. The concept of community engagement will be introduced in this unit as an element of reflective practice and promoting the common good.
The foundations of midwifery unit are required by students to embed fundamental knowledge around what it is to be a midwife, inclusive of the autonomous and collaborative aspects of midwifery practice in relation to primary health care, across the childbirth continuum.
We recognise that people who access maternity care may have diverse gender identities, that those who do can experience marginalisation and oppression, and that using appropriate terminology can help with these community members’ recognition and visibility, acknowledge the variety of pregnancy and birth experiences people may have, and respect individuals’ preferences. To reflect this, terms such as ‘pregnant person’, ‘birthing person’, ‘childbearing people’, ‘parent’ and ‘chestfeeding’ may be used in the midwifery courses at ACU in addition to ‘woman’, ‘mother’, ‘maternity’, ‘maternal’ and ‘breastfeeding’, which are used not to exclude those who do not identify as a woman, but in recognition that women continue to be marginalised and oppressed in many places around the world and to respect their own individual preferences.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and role...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of ...
Learning Outcome 02
Demonstrate academic literacy skills as applied to...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop beginning communication skills appropriate...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of physiologica...
Learning Outcome 05
Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophy of ...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
Legal and professional practice
- Introduce the NMBA published codes and standards for the midwife – behaviour
- Introduce the role of AHPRA for midwives
- Documentation and use of health informatics and health technology
- Med+Safe medication calculations – HSS standard (medication) NQSHC standards (medication safety)
- Introduction to course requirements including Community Engagement
- legal content
- Documentation
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Scope of practice
- Professional boundaries
- Assertive communication skills
Midwifery knowledge and practice
- Role of the midwife
- Primary care across the childbearing continuum
- Autonomous midwifery practice
- Collaborative midwifery practice
- Philosophies of midwifery
- Woman-centred care
- Partnership with women
- Relational continuity of care
- Psychosocial aspects of childbearing
- Health education
- Psychosocial alteration and adaptation
- Anatomical, physiological alterations and adaptations
- Conception, embryology and fetal development (introductory level)
- Psycho-social assessment
- Abdominal examination (theory)
- Antenatal screening (theory)
- Responding to difficult emotions (e.g. anger, sadness) (tute role play potential)
- Evidence-based midwifery (introductory and midwifery specific)
Midwifery as primary health care
- Women in society
- Role and function of the midwife in health and wellbeing of the childbearing family
- Midwifery as a public health strategy across the life span
- Primary Health Care (PHC): Principles, philosophy and strategies
- Theoretical bases for health promotion and health education in childbearing
- The importance of birthing on Country for Indigenous Australian women
Reflective and ethical practice
- Clinical reasoning theories and frameworks related to:
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Reflection - Gibbs reflective cycle
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures consistent with University assessment requirements will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes.
Assessment methods will primarily evaluate the student’s understanding of the discipline of midwifery and introduce beginning clinical skills required for undertaking a health assessment. An early assessment in week four of the semester will provide students with an opportunity for feedback regarding their progress in the development of academic writing in the midwifery context. Assessment two enables students to achieve sound communication skills and demonstrate understanding of key issues in foundational midwifery practice. The examination enables students to demonstrate a sound knowledge base in addressing content and process questions related to unit content.
These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills which, by the conclusion of this program, will enable the student to graduate as a safe and effective midwife.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to comply with all attendance requirements, submit all assignments on or before the due date (unless an Extension has been approved by the LIC), and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Written Assignment &nbs...
Assessment Task 1 - Written Assignment
Enables students to demonstrate achievement of skills in academic writing and referencing and to articulate their knowledge and understanding of beginning clinicals skills in midwifery
20%
Assessment Task 2 - Group Presentation Enables ...
Assessment Task 2 - Group Presentation
Enables students to achieve sound communication skills and demonstrate understanding of key issues in foundational midwifery practice.
30%
Assessment Task 3 - Examination Enables students...
Assessment Task 3 - Examination
Enables students to demonstrate overall knowledge and understanding of content in the unit.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of real-time classes and self-paced, online learning. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university. Modes of delivery in this unit include group learning activities such as role play, simulated practice, self-directed study, learner-centred resource sessions, tutorials/workshops, online classrooms, story sharing and other Aboriginal ways of learning.
Consistent with adult learning principles, the teaching and learning strategies used within these modes of delivery will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant to professional midwifery practice. These strategies will also support students in meeting the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit and the broader course learning outcomes. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively with peers. Scenario-based learning, case-based learning, problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning are all used to support the development of students' independent learning ability.
Students entering university need significant support to transition into a learning and teaching environment where they are required to drive their own learning. To guide students in their learning, feedback is required to identify what is being done well, what requires additional work and to identify progress toward required learning outcomes. Located in the first year of the program, this theory unit includes significant face-to-face teaching hours to assist students in linking midwifery theory with practice. Learner-centred resource sessions are utilised to convey content and central principles while tutorials/workshops deliver interactive learning sessions. These sessions include formative feedback to build foundational tertiary study skills while also providing an opportunity to establish group-work and community learning skills.
Group learning activities are utilised to convey content and central principles and interactive tutorial sessions assist students to apply theory to clinical practice and build self-reflection skills.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS UNIT
Attendance at all lectures, practical classes and simulations is expected. Attendance records of all tutorial classes are maintained with a minimum of 80% attendance required for this unit.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice
In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.
Relating to
Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Identifies what is important to women as the foundation for using evidence to promote informed decision-making, participation in care, and self-determination
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Supports access to maternity care for the woman
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of evidenced-based health initiatives and programs, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Identifies and promotes the role of midwifery practice and the midwifery profession in influencing better health outcomes for women.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Supports the choices of the woman, with respect for families and communities in relation to maternity care
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Partners with women to strengthen women’s capabilities and confidence to care for themselves and their families
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Practises ethically, with respect for dignity, privacy, confidentiality, equity and justice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Develops, maintains and concludes professional relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Understands their scope of practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and wellbeing of self and others in relation to the capability for practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Undertakes comprehensive assessments
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating to
Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating to
Uses assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating to
Analyses information and data and communicates assessments and anticipated outcomes as the basis for midwifery practice, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating to
Assesses the resources that are available to inform planning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Relating to
Develops a plan for midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Interprets assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan for practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Collaboratively develops plans until options, priorities, goals, actions, anticipated outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the woman, and/or relevant others
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Documents, evaluates and modifies plans to facilitate the anticipated outcomes.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO6
Relating to
Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Practises to achieve the agreed goals and anticipated outcomes that meet the needs of the woman
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Is responsible for consultation and referral and/or escalation in situations that are outside the individual’s scope of practice, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Provides and accepts effective and timely direction, allocation, delegation, teaching and supervision
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4, LO5
Relating to
Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5
Relating to
Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5
Relating to
Revises plan and actions based on evidence and what is learned from evaluation
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5
Relating to
Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5