Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

An introduction to the obstacles women may experience during childbearing and the care of babies with special needs. Students will develop their existing knowledge/skills by working with women and other members of the healthcare team when problems arise during pregnancy, labour & birth, and the first weeks after birth. Students will have an opportunity to study circumstances that commonly result in a baby being admitted to a Level 2 Nursery and issues confronting the infant & family during this period will be explored. Emphasis is given to the collaborative role of the midwife, referral, use of medical technology & intervention, and the implications for women, their babies, and midwives.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student will be able to: -

1. utilise knowledge from the biosciences applicable to woman experiencing obstacles;
2. describe and identify common embryological and fetal developments that give rise to abnormalities;
3. examine specific medical and obstetric conditions that affect childbearing;
4. evaluate the implications of obstetric interventions for the woman and midwifery practice;
5. demonstrate skills in the management of emergencies in childbearing;
6. demonstrate understanding of the circumstances that may necessitate admission of a baby to a Level Two nursery;
7. evaluate the Level Two Nursery environment and its impact upon the baby and family;
8. utilise the clinical decision making process to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the care required by the baby and the family;
9. demonstrate an appreciation of the family's need for privacy, dignity and respect, as well as their right to be informed and to make decision regarding care of their baby;
10. demonstrate the ability to practice within a multidisciplinary team in an environment of complexity;
11. facilitate woman's access to appropriate community resources; and
12. demonstrate midwifery competency based upon the ACMI Competency Standards.

Assessment

Reflective journal
guided study activities 20%
written assignment 30%
Compulsory pass in examination 50%
assessment of midwifery practice skills pass/fail.

Chief examiner(s)

Mrs Maureen Miles

Off-campus attendance requirements

Attendance at residential schools held on-campus at Gippsland.

Prerequisites

MID9001 Woman midwife partnerships