Unit rationale, description and aim
The aim of this unit is to build on earlier learning about the anatomy and the physiological processes of childbearing and the related midwifery and obstetric management. The unit focuses on the collaborative role of the midwife, referral, use of medical technology and medications, obstetric intervention, and the implications of complications for these women, their families, and care providers. This unit is required by students to assist their ongoing development of midwifery knowledge, specifically in relation to birthing complications and other emergencies in the childbearing continuum.
The aim of this unit is to build on earlier learning about physiological processes of childbirth, and extend students' knowledge of assessment and care planning for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies in the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period.
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.
Outline the role of the midwife when caring for th...
Learning Outcome 01
Identify women at risk of complications that may o...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology and ph...
Learning Outcome 03
Demonstrate sound knowledge of the ethico-legal re...
Learning Outcome 04
Design effective evidence-based strategies to supp...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
Legal and professional practice
- Consultation and referral
- Midwifery leadership and delegation in emergencies
- Documentation in emergencies and use of health informatics and health technology
- Legal responsibilities related to fetal and/or maternal morbidity and mortality
- Medication knowledge and administration
- Assertive communication skills
Midwifery knowledge and practice
- Maintaining a woman-centered focus in complex care including emergencies
- Communication strategies
- Screening and assessment
- Infections
- Hypertension,
- Gestational diabetes
- Haematological dyscrasias
- Pathophysiology and management of complications in pregnancy
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Abruptio placenta and placenta praevia
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, DIC
- Comorbidities: diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, heart disease, renal disease, obstetric cholestasis, thromboembolic disease, infections, iso-immunisation
- Multiple pregnancy
- Deviations in the rhythm and mechanisms of uterine activity
- Incoordinate uterine activity
- Malposition
- Malpresentations including brow, breech and shoulder presentation
- Cephalo-pelvic disproportion
- Obstructed labour
- Preterm labour
- Risk assessment, prevention and management of life threatening emergencies
- Trauma in pregnancy
- Cord prolapse
- Shoulder dystocia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Amniotic fluid embolism
- Eclampsia
- Uterine inversion
- Uterine rupture
- Grief and bereavement following pregnancy loss
- The midwife’s role
- Facilitating family contact and memory creation
- Resources
- Self-care
Midwifery as primary health care
- Promoting the rights of the woman with complex needs and in an emergency
- Professional relationships and collaboration in complex care and emergency situations
Reflective and ethical practice
- Debriefing for women and care providers following emergencies
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.
The written assignment provides students with the opportunity to explore the evidence base regarding assessment and care planning for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies. Case studies with problem-based learning triggers will provide an activity to promote critical thinking to explore complex concepts covered in this unit. 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.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Written Assignment (1,200 ...
Assessment Task 1: Written Assignment (1,200 – 1,500 words)
Enables students to articulate the evidence base for assessment and midwifery care planning in relation for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies.
30%
Assessment Task 2: Problem-based activity (equiva...
Assessment Task 2: Problem-based activity (equivalent to 1000 words)
Enables students to demonstrate critical thinking in relation to complex midwifery care covered in this unit.
20%
Assessment Task 3: Written Examination (2hrs) En...
Assessment Task 3: Written Examination (2hrs)
Enables students to demonstrate overall knowledge and understanding of content in the unit.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Modes of delivery in this unit include learner-centred resource sessions, tutorials, online classrooms and quizzes. 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. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. 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 at university need to operate effectively as self-sufficient learners who drive their own learning and access the learning supports they require. 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 second year of the programme, this theory unit includes face-to-face teaching hours and an increasing online component of learning to build life-long learning skills. Learner resource sessions are utilised to convey content and its central principles while tutorials deliver interactive and student-driven learning opportunities which require an increasing reliance on students to extend their community of learners and increase self-reliance. Online materials provide students with the opportunity to undertake directed, self-motivated study and continue to transition to independent study and life-long learning.
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, LO3
Relating to
Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, 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, LO3
Relating to
Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Partners with women to strengthen women’s capabilities and confidence to care for themselves and their families
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Practises without the discrimination that may be associated with race, age, disability, sexuality, gender identity, relationship status, power relations and/or social disadvantage
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Practises cultural safety that is holistic, free of bias and exposes racism
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Practises in a way that respects that family and community underpin the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Develops, maintains and concludes professional relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Understands their scope of practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Contributes to a culture that supports learning, teaching, knowledge transfer and critical reflection
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Uses relevant processes to identify, document and manage complexity and risk
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Recognises and responds appropriately where safe and quality practice may be compromised, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Undertakes comprehensive assessments
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Uses assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Analyses information and data and communicates assessments and anticipated outcomes as the basis for midwifery practice, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Develops a plan for midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Interprets assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan for practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
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 OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Co-ordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Documents, evaluates and modifies plans to facilitate the anticipated outcomes.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Actively contributes to quality improvement and research activities
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Practises to achieve the agreed goals and anticipated outcomes that meet the needs of the woman
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, 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 OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Provides and accepts effective and timely direction, allocation, delegation, teaching and supervision
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5
Relating to
Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Revises plan and actions based on evidence and what is learned from evaluation
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3