92284 Rural Midwifery Practice

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject builds on learning from the students' experience in the previous practice subjects. Students have learning experiences in each of the major areas of midwifery care and continue to form 'follow through' relationships with childbearing women. The subject provides a platform for the students to consider possibilities for working in rural and remote Australia with regard to their role and scope of practice and the potential further education they might need to work outside these parameters.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. understand a primary health care approach to midwifery practice and be able to access relevant resources in the community (ANMC competencies: Midwifery as Primary Health Care)
2. demonstrate an understanding of midwifery practice in a rural context (ANMC competencies: Midwifery Knowledge and Practice)
3. analyse the provision of rural health services in relation to primary health care principles (ANMC competencies: Midwifery as Primary Health Care)
4. discuss issues related to the provision of maternity care in rural and remote settings (ANMC competencies:Midwifery as Primary Health Care)
5. critically analyse the challenges and barriers involved in working in a rural and/or remote setting (ANMC competencies: Midwifery as Primary Health Care)
6. access learning and support resources from a rural and remote setting (ANMC competencies: Reflective and Ethical Practice)
7. appreciate the practicalities of living and working in rural Australia (ANMC competencies: Reflective and Ethical Practice).

Content

This subject provides students with an opportunity to acquire skills that facilitate the application of theoretical concepts related to midwifery practice. Students gain experience that contributes to meeting the needs of the woman and her family during the childbearing experience.

Topics include:

• rural and remote issues in maternity service vision including isolation, lack of access and choice in the provision of services
• collaboration with local medical practitioners and other health care providers and community workers
• working in small teams in rural areas
• primary health care principles, (in particular, community development), in relation to rural health services
• transfer to metropolitan services (e.g. NETS, RFDS, Air Ambulance) and the impact on the woman and her family
• practicalities associated with living in rural and remote areas such as confidentiality in small communities, first aid, personal safety and vehicle maintenance.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a two (2) week placement in a rural or remote community-based setting.