MID452 Issues in Midwifery (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health (NRMIH)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject introduces the midwifery student to basic counselling and communication relevant to midwifery practice. The special needs of women with a disability are explored in the context of pregnancy, labour/birthing and the postnatal period. Legal and ethical issues pertaining to midwifery are researched in this subject. The aim of this subject is to encourage a broader understanding of midwifery issues and their implications for practice. The subject introduces principles in a basic manner and suggests ways to enhance and develop knowledge and skills that will assist the midwife to effectively practise in the discipline of midwifery.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 1
Distance	Wagga Wagga
Session 2
Distance	Wagga Wagga

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MID452

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

Available only to students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma of Midwifery course and to Registered Midwives enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing).

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

1. be able to undertake an extensive review of the current literature and through a process of reflection, gain a deeper understanding of legal and ethical issues related to contemporary midwifery practice
2. be able to assess, plan, provide and evaluate safe and effective midwifery care for the woman with complex needs related to disability
3. be able to assist the woman who has a disability to optimise her self care, care of her infant and autonomous potential
4. be able to acknowledge, respect and advocate for the rights of the woman with a disability to be involved as an active participant in her care including her right to make informed decisions and maintain dignity and privacy
5. be able to initiate and conduct midwifery counselling sessions with women, including the woman who has a disability
6. be able to communicate information to facilitate decision making by women
7. be able to incorporate communication, effective information sharing and health promotion/public health opportunities into all facets of midwifery practice
8. be able to recognise own attitudes, biases and values and their potential impact on practice
9. be able to recognise ethical dilemmas in midwifery and suggest methods to resolve them
10. be able to practice in ways that respects each woman�s emotional, social, cultural and lifestyle needs
11. be able to base midwifery practice on ethical decision making
12. be able to demonstrate an understanding of the legal principles that guide midwifery practice
13. be able to function in accordance with legislation and common law affecting midwifery practice.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1: The midwife as communicator, counsellor, information sharer and health promoter This module considers the skills and parameters that enable the midwife to communicate effectively and counselling services within their scope of practice. Students will learn to recognize when specialist counselling services are required and refer the woman to the most appropriate professional. Principles of information sharing and health promotion are applied to midwifery practice. Module 2: Caring for the pregnant woman with a disability This module increases the students� understanding of the special needs that women with disabilities have and the support that can be offered to facilitate autonomy and wellbeing. Module 3: Ethical and legal issues in midwifery practice This module creates an awareness of legal parameters directing midwifery practice. The ethics and the ethical dilemmas that might occur in midwifery practice are explored. Problem-solving techniques that could be of use in resolving dilemmas are addressed.

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