James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

NS5135 - Complex Midwifery Care

Subject Description

This subject will incorporate the principles of primary health care, woman centred and value based care to explore the pathophysiology processes women experience and the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to manage when they have a complex need in the pregnancy continuum. A complex need will be defined as a condition that will impact on the pregnancy if not treated, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The NMBA Midwifery Standards for Practice (2018) will be applied to explore the needs of childbearing women and their families requiring complex care across the pregnancy and birth continuum. The focus will be midwifery care that is safe and appropriate, supporting collaborative care within a multidisciplinary team. This includes women with pre-existing medical conditions.

Learning Outcomes

• employ strategies to observe cultural considerations and limit the psychosocial impact of complex conditions upon a woman and their family
• describe the pathophysiological processes of complex conditions experienced by women in the pregnancy continuum
• formulate, plan and evaluate effective midwifery care for women with complex conditions, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team
• demonstrate competent, ethical and professional conduct as per the Midwifery Standards for Practice (2018), state and federal legal requirements and the Code of Conduct for Midwives (2018) and the International Confederation of Midwives Code of Ethics

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (50%)
• Evidence of attendance at 50 antenatal visits submitted; Evidence of attendance at 50 postnatal visits submitted; 15 labour and birth as the primary accoucher; direct and active care for additional 10 1st stage labours submitted; 20 complex midwifery care experiences submitted; 5 continuity of care experiences completed; 5 clinical competencies submitted; 1 student evaluation from clinical placement submitted
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (50%)
• Complete K2 fetal monitoring training program modules [Sat/Unsat]

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Satisfactory completion of practical components

Availabilities