James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

NS5134 - Challenges to the Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Continuum

Subject Description

Incorporating the philosophy of woman-centred care, this subject will focus on perinatal challenges in the pregnancy continuum. A perinatal challenge is an event that impacts on a woman's pregnancy or on a newborn's adaption to extrauterine life which, when corrected, enables the woman or the newborn to return to a normal pathway. The content will explore the physiological and pathophysiological processes that can lead to the development of these challenges and the midwifery skills, knowledge and care that can provide the necessary interventions, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological, to resolve the challenge for the woman and newborn.

Learning Outcomes

• explain and justify the physiological and pathophysiological processes that underpin perinatal challenges that women and newborns can experience in the pregnancy continuum
• critically analyse midwifery knowledge, including pharmacological, skills and care required for women and newborns experiencing a perinatal challenge in the pregnancy continuum, utilising the latest research and evidence based practice
• reflect on woman centred care of women experiencing a perinatal challenge

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Portfolio - 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 during the residential block; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties; achieve a satisfactory grade for the portfolio assessment task; achieve at least 50% for the examination. Examinations may be scheduled outside regular university examination period.

Availabilities