92286 International Perspectives in Midwifery
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
As students near the end of their course, this subject enables them to identify their role in Australia and in the wider community of midwifery. The implications and responsibilities that they are about to face as licensed practitioners is explored in relation to contemporary issues in the regulation of midwives. An exploration and critique of the ideologies associated with Western constructs of childbirth and maternity care allow for a new dimension in the students' learning. It examines the role of international bodies such as the World Health Organization in the maintenance of women's health and health care and the International Confederation of Midwives in the practice and regulation of midwifery.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Explore variations in how the midwife-woman relationship is played out across the world (NMBA 12.2) |
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| B. | Explore the role of the World Health Organisation and the International Confederation of Midwives with particular reference to strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity (NMBA 10.1) |
| C. | Analyse and compare sources of funding, maternity systems, midwifery regulation and education in Australia with comparable Western countries (NMBA 7.2) |
| D. | Analyse how notions of ‘choice, control and continuity’ have been articulated within neo-liberal ideologies and the development of Western maternity services and compare with non-Western countries (NMBA 7.2) |
| E. | Analyse and compare maternity service provision in Western and non-Western countries (NMBA 7.1) |
| F. | Evaluate the effects on maternity service provision of movements such as ‘risk management’, ‘clinical governance’ and ‘evidence based medicine’ |
| G. | Explore a primary health care approach to midwifery practice (NMBA 9.1) |
| H. | Explore contemporary issues in the regulation of midwives (NMBA 1.1) |
| I. | Identify potential further educational opportunities for new graduates from three-year BMid courses who wish to work in developing countries or in remote Australia. (NMBA 13.2) |
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)
- Are socially responsible citizens who value the diversity of people (5.0)
- Are professionally engaged critical thinkers who take a lively and questioning approach and embrace lifelong learning (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, you will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies that are designed to assist you to develop understanding and awareness of the issues related to international perspectives of midwifery care for women, families and communities.
Lectures and online learning materials
This subject benefits from both the real time delivery of content and access to online resources including videos and learning modules. Face to face lectures are provided to enable students to clarify, discuss and develop critical thinking directly related to women centered care in developing nations.
Online learning activities
Students access online learning resources including, videos, either prior to or in place of face-to-face attendance. Online resources enable students to clarify complex concepts and terminology, and engage with sensitive or confronting topics at their own pace. Online activities are then discussed in class to share learning, experiences and reflections.
Case studies and stories from practice
Case studies and stories from practice depict people and their families in clinical, community and social situations. Students use these scenarios to learn concepts, interpret information and develop creative solutions. Critical thinking is developed through analysis, interpretation of and reflection on issues or situations.
Seminars and oral presentations
Seminars involve students either individually or in groups providing presentations to the class. Students received feedback from peers and lecturers not only on their knowledge of a subject area, but also their ability to communicate their thoughts and relevant information in a clear, coherent and confident manner.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Conference Abstract
| Intent: | The purpose of this assessment item is for you to begin to consider the final presentation that you will be asked to give at the Midwifery Student International Conference. You are required to work in pairs or a maximum of three students to develop your abstract and to prepare for your final presentation. |
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| 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): 5.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 250 words maximum - abstracts over 250 words will not be accepted. |
Assessment task 2: Report
| Intent: | The purpose of this assignment is for you to reflect on the Sustainable Development Goals in relation to an international organisation that provides care/services to women and their families. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C, D, E, F, G and H This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 5.0 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 2000 words - word limit will be strictly adhered to and marking will cease when word limit is reached. Reference list is not included in word limit. In-text citations are part of the word count. Reference list must be in Harvard (UTS) format and assessments will be returned and resubmission required if referencing is incorrect |
Assessment task 3: Conference presentation; either poster or oral presentation
| Intent: | This assessment item is the culmination of the work you have completed in this subject. You will be required to present this assessment as either a paper, or a poster at the Midwifery Student International Conference. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C, D, H and I This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.0, 5.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | As required for each type of presentation |
Minimum requirements
When all items of assessment that carry a numerical mark are combined, an overall mark of 50% is required for a pass in this subject. Students will work in pairs for the first and third assessment pieces
References
Magar, V. 2015, 'Gender, health and the Sustainable Development Goals', Bulletin of the World Health Organization, vol. 93, no. 11, pp. 743-.
Renfrew, M., Homer, C., Downe, S., McFadden, A., Muir, N., Prentice, T. & ten Hoope-Bender, P. 2014, 'The Lancet series on midwifery: executive Summary', The Lancet, United Kingdom.
United Nations 2016, Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations, New York, viewed 29 June 2016, <http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/>.
United Nations Population Fund 2016, UNFPA Midwifery, UNFPA, New York, viewed 29 June 2016, <http://www.unfpa.org/midwifery>.
United Nations Population Fund, International Confederation of Midwives & World Health Organization 2014, State of the world's midwifery report: a universal pathway, a woman's right to health, UNFPA, ICM, WHO, Not Stated.
Van Lerberghe, W., Matthews, Z., Achadi, E., Ancona, C., Campbell, J., Channon, A., de Bernis, L., De Brouwere, V., Fauveau, V., Fogstad, H., Koblinsky, M., Liljestrand, J., Mechbal, A., Murray, S.F., Rathavay, T., Refr, H., Richard, F., Hoope-Bender, P.t. & Turkman, S. 2014, 'Country experience with strengthening of health systems and deployment of midwives in countries with high maternal mortality', The Lancet, vol. 384, no. 9949, pp. 1215-25.
World Health Organization 2016, Midwifery, World Health Organization, Geneva, viewed 29 June 2016, <http://www.who.int/topics/midwifery/en/>.
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