James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

NS5132 - Midwifery Care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families

Subject Description

This subject explores the factors impacting on the provision of midwifery care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families with a specific focus on promoting and improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families. The subject is designed to promote the role of midwives in delivering midwifery care to Aboriginal women and Torres Strait Islander women and their families within a primary health care and acute midwifery care setting. The student will develop an understanding and awareness of the historical and contemporary socio-political and cultural considerations which influence the accessibility of midwifery care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women and their families. In addition, the student will develop an understanding of the importance of 'relationship to country' and cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women when planning the provision of maternity services. Models of midwifery care will be introduced and explored with particular reference to models acceptable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families.

Learning Outcomes

• critically appraise their own attitudes and practice in developing and delivering a model of midwifery care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families
• critically appraise the impact of colonisation and the social cultural determinants of health on the current health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families in relation to midwifery care
• formulate midwifery care management that validates the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander holistic perception of health and integrates the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled maternal and child health service
• plan midwifery care that demonstrates the principles of cultural safety, with a focus on the 'Aboriginal Way'
• apply government maternal and child health initiatives including 'Close the Gap' to the provision of midwifery care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families

Subject Assessment

• Participation > Class participation - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (50%) - Individual

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

Passing requirements: complete and submit all assessment items; participate in all scheduled classes; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties.

Availabilities