Bachelor in Science in Midwifery Honours Degree programme

MW3001 -Midwifery Practice 5 (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Practice core midwifery skills with competence and confidence whilst recognising their future learning needs;
• Demonstrate the ability to perform accurate assessment in all aspects of midwifery practice;
• Provide women with accurate factual information tailored to their individual needs;
• Obtain informed consent from women at all appropriate times;
• Begin to demonstrate decision making skills in relation to midwifery practice and care;
• Begin to demonstrate the ability to recognise and rationalise deviations from physiological processes and access appropriate referrals;
• Demonstrate the skills of appropriate referral when women require care other than that provided by a midwife;
• Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate actions, procedures and protocols to be followed in emergency situations;
• Show evidence of recognition of the boundaries between the midwifery and obstetric professions;
• Demonstrate a confident and competent approach to infection control in midwifery practice;
• Demonstrate an understanding of local practices and policies and begin to relate these to research and evidence based care;
• Display an awareness of the factors that influence access to and uptake of maternity services;
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a team member;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence the scope of midwifery practice;
• Demonstrate the ability to address all aspects relating to the storage and administration of medications in practice.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

In year three midwifery students are expected to develop their core midwifery practice skills and knowledge. They are expected to rationalise practice, display an understanding of theory underpinning practice as well as begin to appraise their practice in a critical manner. Midwifery students are expected to display the ability to access salient research and evidence that support practices, procedures, policies and experiences. Exposure to pathophysiological conditions will begin the process of questioning practices and skills as well as reasoning and confirming physiological progression and disease prevention. This module builds on the learning in practice that has taken place year one and two of the programme.

Recommended Reading List

• An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann. (2000) Review of Scope of Practice for Nursing and Midwifery. Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann, Dublin.
• An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann. (2015) Practice Standards for Midwives. Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann, Dublin.
• Chapman V.  & Charles, C. (eds.) (2009) The Midwife’s Labour and Birth Handbook, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
• Kirkham M. (ed.) (2004) Informed Choice in Maternity Care. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
• MacDonald S. & Magill-Cuerden J., (eds.) (2011) Mayes’ Midwifery.  A Textbook for Midwives, 14th edn. Balliere Tindall, London.
• Marshall J.E. & Raynor M. D. (eds.) (2014) Myles Textbook for Midwives, 16th edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
• Raynor M., Marshall J. & Sullivan A. (eds.) (2005) Decision Making in Midwifery Practice. Churchill Livingstone, London.

*Further suggested readings/sources of knowledge may be provided.