92369 Midwifery Practice 5: Emergencies in Maternity Care

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 92365 Midwifery Practice 4: Complex Labour, Birth and the Puerperium AND 92363 Complex Labour, Birth and the Puerperium
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This final year subject consolidates the student's knowledge, skills and attitudes in maternity emergency situations in the transition to becoming a midwife. Students apply their knowledge of pathophysiology in maternity and neonatal emergencies in practice using simulated drills. The subject builds student's capacity to work as part of a team and has an emphasis on effective communication, reflection on practice, handover and documentation in urgent and emergency situations. The overriding framework of clinical risk management is used throughout the subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

A.	Demonstrate appropriate competency in midwifery practice in simulated urgent and emergency situations
B.	Apply knowledge of pathophysiology in maternity and neonatal emergencies
C.	Communicate effectively, reflect on practice and document accurately in simulated urgent and emergency situations including using incident reporting systems
D.	Use evidence to inform practice in provision of midwifery care
E.	In a simulated environment, demonstrate effective teamwork
F.	Explain clinical risk management strategies in maternity care

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

Have a sound and thorough knowledge base about anatomy and physiology (2.1)
Demonstrate critical thinking and sound clinical judgment that is based on evidence and reflects appropriate reasoning within the relevant professional codes and guidelines (2.2)
Communicate effectively using spoken, written and non-verbal language across a range of contexts and to diverse audiences (2.3)
Utilise information technologies with a high level of literacy (2.4)
Demonstrate competence in all clinical skills at the level of a new graduate midwife and be eligible to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for registration as a midwife (2.5)
Influence change and contribute to the development of midwifery as a strong profession through leadership, mentoring and positive role modelling (3.1)
Demonstrate respectful and collegial collaboration with women, professional peers and other stakeholders (3.2)
Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team (3.3)
Practice and promote the principles of self-care that build resilience and foster human flourishing (4.1)
Interpret and value the evidence to underpin practice and influence change (6.1)
Integrate strategies for ongoing personal and professional development (6.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

Workshops and online learning materials
This subject benefits from both the real time delivery of content and access to online resources including podcasts, videos and learning modules. Self-directed tutorials enable students to review and reflect on provided content as well as complete set learning tasks. A moderated Discussion Board on Canvas enables students to engage with the subject coordinator and quickly clarify complex descriptions and terminology, and engage in conversation regarding the various topics addressed within this subject. Online materials include scenario-based learning, problem-based progressive case studies that unfold at the student's pace and instant feedback is provided to develop students' judgement.

Clinical skills, communication and simulation
Students participate in clinical laboratory sessions that focus on integration of key concepts and skills. In these sessions, students are introduced to a range of maternity emergency skills, including assessments and interventions as part of simulation activities. Simulation activities are practical learning experiences designed to give students exposure to a comprehensive range of scenarios that may be encountered in practice. Activities include the use of audio-visual aids, clinical "scene" set-ups with the use of manikins and clinical equipment and teaching staff and students role-playing women experiencing an emergency. Students learn clinical and interpersonal skills with case scenarios in the laboratories. These practice scenarios enhance the development of professional communication required for midwifery practice in an emergency situation.

Assessment strategies
Readiness for practice will be assessed throughout the Autumn Session using the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwife standards for practise. Students must also successfully complete the required period of clinical practice as part of this subject and submit their professional experience portfolio for peer review during laboratories in Week 8. While on clinical placement students provide midwifery care to women, babies, and their families, under the direct supervision of registered midwives and medical practitioners.

Professional Portfolio
Students further develop their professional portfolio. This record encourages students to take an active role in the documentation, observation and review of their own progress. It is a powerful tool for focusing awareness or attention on what has been learned throughout the course, self-assessment and the development of a professional identity.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Open book exam

Intent:	The open book examination demonstrates the student's consolidated knowledge and response skills in maternity emergency situations. Students need to apply their knowledge of pathophysiology in maternity and neonatal emergencies in the exam and utilise their capacity to work as part of a team.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 6.1
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	50%
Length:	Word count requirements are indicated within each question.

Assessment task 2: Maternal emergency Reflection & Simulated Demonstration (Part A and Part B)

Intent:	PART A: Using the Bass et al. (2017) reflection model made available on Canvas, students will reflect on their experience of a clinical maternity emergency. Written feedback will be provided within three weeks of the due date. PART B: This task is an authentic simulation of a birth/maternity emergency. The task is undertaken as a group (marked individually). Students are expected to role-play each respondent's role and demonstrate effective communication skills within the Clinical Viva - see Canvas for further information.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 6.1 and 6.2
Type:	Laboratory/practical
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	50%
Length:	PART A: 1000 words plus references. PART B: Face-to-face clinical Viva examination. Length spent in the Viva: approx. 40 minutes including verbal feedback.

Assessment task 3: Clinical Practice Experience Documentation (Part A and Part B)

Intent:	Part A: Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Portfolio In keeping with the ANMAC Accreditation Standards for the Midwife students must keep a written record and reflect on their required supervised midwifery practice experiences in their PEP. The PEP Portfolio is required as evidence of meeting the minimum clinical requirements in order to the eligible to apply for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia at the completion of the course. Part B: Australian Midwifery Standards Assessment tool (AMSAT) The intent is to assess the student's performance on clinical placement against the Midwife Standards for Practice (NMBA 2018) according to their year of study and to provide them with feedback on their clinical and professional development. Students are encouraged to reflect on Formative and Summative Assessments of Performance in order to devise strategies for continuing development of knowledge and skills.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 6.1 and 6.2
Type:	Portfolio
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark
Criteria:	PART A: The PEP is graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory PART B: The AMSAT is graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory

Recommended texts

Gray, J. & Smith, R. (2018). Midwifery essentials (2nd ed). Elsevier Australia.
Gray, J., Smith, R. & Homer, C. (2018). Illustrated dictionary of midwifery (2nd ed). Elsevier Australia.
Leap, N. & Hunter, B. (2016). Supporting Women for Labour and Birth: A thoughtful guide. Routledge.
Johnson, R., Taylor, W., de-Vitry Smith, S. & Bayes, S. (2019). Skills for Midwifery Practice (4th ed). Elsevier.
Marieb, E. & Hoehn, K. (2014). Human anatomy & physiology (10th ed). Pearson.
Marshall, J. & Raynor, M. (2014) Myles Textbook for Midwives (16th ed). Churchill Livingstone.
Pairman, S., Tracy, S., Dahlen, H. & Dixon, L (2019). Midwifery: Preparation for practice: Book 1 (4th ed). Elsevier.
Pairman, S., Tracy, S., Dahlen, H. & Dixon, L. (2019). Midwifery: Preparation for practice: Book 2 (4th ed). Elsevier.

Students are advised to acquire their own copies of these texts. Copies of these texts are available at the UTS library.

All additional readings, other than text books, will be available via links from within Canvas. The required preparatory activities for this subject will be advised on Canvas prior to any on campus lectures and tutorials. Please complete the set preparatory activities prior to the tutorial class in the week required.

NB: It is essential that students complete all required prepreparatory activities. The required preparatory activities will be considered assumed knowledge for tutorials, laboratories and the examination.

Other resources

UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)

Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts

For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.

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Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.

Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.

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