Program Overview

Introduction to the MIDW217 Unit

The MIDW217 unit, titled "Midwifery Care of the Woman with Complex Needs," is designed to build on earlier learning about the anatomy and physiological processes of childbearing and related midwifery and obstetric management. This unit focuses on the collaborative role of the midwife, including referral, use of medical technology and medications, obstetric intervention, and the implications of complications for women, their families, and care providers.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

The aim of this unit is to extend students' knowledge of assessment and care planning for women experiencing birthing complications and emergencies in the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal period. It recognizes the importance of culturally competent collaborative teams in midwifery care and emphasizes the role of the midwife in identifying and managing complex needs.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Outline the role of the midwife when caring for the woman with complex needs across the childbearing continuum.
• Identify women at risk of complications that may occur across the childbearing continuum.
• Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology to plan and evaluate safe, effective, evidence-based, collaborative care.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the ethico-legal responsibilities of the midwife related to emergencies and perinatal loss.
• Design effective evidence-based strategies to support the woman and her family following pregnancy loss.

Unit Content

Topics covered in this unit include:

• Legal and professional practice, such as consultation and referral, midwifery leadership, and documentation in emergencies.
• Midwifery knowledge and practice, including maintaining a woman-centered focus in complex care, communication strategies, screening, and assessment.
• Midwifery as primary health care, focusing on promoting the rights of the woman with complex needs and professional relationships.
• Reflective and ethical practice, including debriefing for women and care providers following emergencies.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

Assessments are designed to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes. They include a written assignment, a problem-based activity, and a written examination. These assessments enable students to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, and application of evidence-based practice in midwifery care.

Learning and Teaching Strategy

The unit employs a range of teaching strategies, including learner-centered resource sessions, tutorials, online classrooms, and quizzes. These strategies support students in meeting the unit's aim, learning outcomes, and graduate attributes, emphasizing respect for the individual as an independent learner and promoting self-reliance and lifelong learning skills.

Representative Texts and References

Key texts and references for this unit include publications by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, such as the "Midwife standards for practice," and textbooks like "Midwifery: Preparation for Practice" and "The Midwife's Labour and Birth Handbook."

Locations and Credit Points

The MIDW217 unit is offered in Brisbane, Blacktown, and Melbourne, and it carries 10 credit points.

Year of Study

This unit is part of the 2025 academic year curriculum.

By completing the MIDW217 unit, students will gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in midwifery care for women with complex needs, preparing them for professional practice as safe and effective midwives.