92625 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 2020 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 92627 Midwifery Practice 4: Complex Labour, Birth and 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 communications, 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)
| A. | Demonstrate appropriate competency in midwifery practice in simulated urgent and emergency situations (NMBA 6.2, 5.5) |
|---|---|
| B. | Apply knowledge of pathophysiology in maternity and neonatal emergencies (NMBA 6.1) |
| C. | Communicate effectively, reflect on practice and document accurately in simulated urgent and emergency situations including using incident reporting systems (NMBA 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, 8.1) |
| D. | Use evidence to inform practice in provision of midwifery care (NMBA 14.1) |
| E. | In a simulated environment, demonstrate effective teamwork (NMBA 8.2) |
| F. | Explain clinical risk management strategies in maternity care (NMBA 2.2) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Are professionally competent midwives who provide safe and effective midwifery care using intelligent kindness (2.0)
- Work collaboratively in order to provide excellence in maternity care (3.0)
- Are resilient, emotionally competent midwives who foster human flourishing (4.0)
- Are professionally engaged critical thinkers who take a lively and questioning approach and embrace lifelong learning (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
Lectures 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. Face to face lectures enable students to quickly clarify complex descriptions and terminology, and engage with sensitive or confronting topics. Online materials include scenario-based learning software, 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 assessment 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, and clinical equipment set-ups with manikins, teaching staff or students role-playing women experiencing an emergency. Students learn and practice clinical and interpersonal skills with case scenarios in the laboratories. These practice scenarios incorporate the development of professional communication skills including professional communication required for midwifery practice in an emergency situation.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Take home case based exam
| Intent: | The take home 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): 2.0 and 3.0 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | As required - word count should be guided by the points allocated to the response. |
Assessment task 2: Case review and critique
| Intent: | Using simulated case notes of a maternity emergency, students identify areas for concern and discuss risk management strategies. |
|---|---|
| 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): 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | 2000 words |
Assessment task 3: Clinical Viva in simulation
| 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): 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark |
Required texts
Catling, C., Cummins A. & Hogan, R., 2016, Stories in Midwifery; Reflection, Inquiry, Action, Elsevier Australia, Chatswood.
Pairman, S., Pincombe, J., Thorogood, C. & Tracy, S., 2014, Midwifery: preparation for practice, 3rd edn, Elsevier Australia, Sydney.
Recommended texts
Boyle, M., 2011, Emergencies Around Childbirth: a handbook for midwives, 2nd edn Radcliffe Medical Press ltd, Oxford, UK.
References
Boyle, M. 2011, Emergencies around childbirth: A handbook for midwives,2nd edn, Radcliffe Medical Press, Abingdon.
Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries 2011, Saving Mothers’ Lives: Reviewing maternal deaths to make motherhood safer – 2006-2008. The Eighth Report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK, Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries, London.
Chapman, V. & Charles, C. 2009, The midwife's labour and birth handbook, 2nd edn, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
Foley, M.R., Strong, T.H. & Garite, T.J. 2011, Obstetric intensive care manual, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill Medical, New York.
Hanretty, K.P., Ramsden, I. & Callander, R. 2009, Obstetrics illustrated, 7th edn, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
NSW Kids and Families, 2009, Maternity - Clinical Risk Management Program, NSW Department of Health, Sydney.
NSW Health, 2017, Maternity - Prevention, Detection, Escalation and Management of Postpartum Haemorrhage. GL2017_018. Health and Social Policy Branch, NSW Department of Health, Sydney.
NSW Health, 2017, Maternity - Supporting Women Planning a Vaginal Breech Birth, GL2017_008, Health and Social Policy Branch, NSW Health Department, Sydney
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), the Health Student Guide (www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/uts-health-student-guide.pdf) and UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, old exam papers, academic writing guides, health literature databases, workshops, a gaming room and bookable group study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with all your questions.
W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666
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.