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Problem: Complex physiological processes are often difficult for midwifery students to comprehend when using traditional teaching and learning approaches. Online resources for midwifery education are limited., Background: Face to face instructional workshops using simulation have had some impact on improving understanding. However, in the 21st century new technologies offer the opportunity to provide alternative learning approaches. Virtual and artificial realities have been shown to increase confidence in decision making during clinical practice., Aim: Explore the impact of using three-dimensional (3D) visualisation in midwifery education, on student's application, when educating women about the birth of the placenta, and membranes., Methods: Face to face individual interviews were performed, to collect deep, meaningful experiences of students, learning about the third stage of labour., Findings: Prior clinical experiences impacted on student's ability to articulate how they would discuss birth of the placenta and membranes, and the process of haemostasis with women., Discussion: The narrative findings of this pilot study identified ways that students traditionally learn midwifery, through theory, and clinical practice. Interview narratives illustrated how midwifery students who had previous experiences of witnessing birth, had superior ability to discuss the third stage of labour with women. While students with limited birth experiences, found the 3DMVR assisted them in their understanding of the physiology of the third stage of labour., Conclusion: In an environment of increasing technological advances, clinical placements remain an essential component of midwifery education., (Copyright © 2023 Australian College of Midwives. All rights reserved.)

Problem/background: Strong international evidence demonstrates significantly improved outcomes for women and their babies when supported by midwifery continuity of care models. Despite this, widespread implementation has not been achieved, especially in regional settings., Aim: To develop a theoretical understanding of the factors that facilitate or inhibit the implementation of midwifery continuity models within regional settings., Methods: A Constructivist Grounded Theory approach was used to collect and analyse data from 34 interviews with regional public hospital key informants., Results: Three concepts of theory emerged: 'engaging the gatekeepers', 'midwives lacking confidence' and 'women rallying together'. The concepts of theory and sub-categories generated a substantive theory: A partnership between midwives and women is required to build confidence and enable the promotion of current evidence; this is essential for engaging key hospital stakeholders to invest in the implementation of midwifery continuity of care models., Discussion: The findings from this research suggest that midwives and women can significantly influence the implementation of midwifery continuity models within their local maternity services, particularly in regional settings. Midwives' reluctance to transition is based on a lack of confidence and knowledge of what it is really like to work in midwifery continuity models. Similarly, women require education to increase awareness of continuity of care benefits, and a partnership between women and midwives can be a strong political force to overcome many of the barriers., Conclusion: Implementation of midwifery continuity of care needs a coordinated ground up approach in which midwives partner with women and promote widespread dissemination of evidence for this model, directed towards consumers, midwives, and hospital management to increase awareness of the benefits., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused isolation, fear, and impacted on maternal healthcare provision., Aim: To explore midwives' experiences about how COVID-19 impacted their ability to provide woman-centred care, and what lessons they have learnt as a result of the mandated government and hospital restrictions (such as social distancing) during the care of the woman and her family., Methods: A qualitative interpretive descriptive study was conducted. Twenty-six midwives working in all models of care in all states and territories of Australia were recruited through social media, and selected using a maximum variation sampling approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews between May to August, 2020. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed., Findings: Two overarching themes were identified: 'COVID-19 causing chaos' and 'keeping the woman at the centre of care'. The 'COVID-19 causing chaos' theme included three sub-themes: 'quickly evolving situation', 'challenging to provide care', and 'affecting women and families'. The 'Keeping the woman at the centre of care' theme included three sub-themes: 'trying to keep it normal', 'bending the rules and pushing the boundaries', and 'quality time for the woman, baby, and family unit'., Conclusion: Findings of this study offer important evidence regarding the impact of the pandemic on the provision of woman-centred care which is key to midwifery philosophy. Recommendations are made for ways to preserve and further enhance woman-centred care during periods of uncertainty such as during a pandemic or other health crises., (Crown Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Complex physiological processes are often difficult for midwifery students to comprehend when using traditional teaching and learning approaches. Face to face instructional workshops using simulation have had some impact on improving understanding. However, in the 21st century new technologies offer the opportunity to provide alternative learning approaches., Aim: To investigate the impact of using three-dimensional (3D) visualisation in midwifery education on student's experience of learning, and retention of knowledge at three points in time., Design: A pilot study involving a two-armed parallel Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing the retention of knowledge scores between the control and intervention groups., Setting: An Australian University in the Northern Territory., Participants: The sample included second year Bachelor of Midwifery students (n = 38). All received traditional midwifery education before being randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 20) or control (n = 18) group., Methods: A new immersive virtual environment was introduced to complement existing traditional midwifery education on the third stage of labour. This intervention was evaluated using a demographic survey and multiple-choice questionnaire to collect baseline information via Qualtrics. To measure change in knowledge and comprehension, participants completed the same multiple-choice knowledge questionnaire at three time points; pre, immediately post and at 1 month post intervention. In addition, the intervention group completed a 3D student satisfaction survey., Results: Baseline knowledge scores were similar between the groups. A statistically significant increase in knowledge score was evident immediately post intervention for the intervention group, however there was no significant difference in knowledge score at one month., Conclusions: The results support the creation of further three-dimensional visualisation teaching resources for midwifery education. However, a larger randomised controlled study is needed to seek generalisation of these findings to confirm enhanced student learning and retention of knowledge post 3DMVR, beyond the immediate exposure time., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Issue: There is an underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander midwives across Australia and an inadequate number of graduating midwives to redress this. A major pillar for the Birthing on Country Model is maternity care workforce development., Aim: The purpose of this review is to examine the enablers and barriers that Aboriginal students experience while undertaking the Bachelor of Midwifery degree in Australia., Methods: A search of the literature was undertaken through electronic databases. When only three papers were found looking at the experiences of Aboriginal midwifery students the search was broadened to include Aboriginal undergraduate health students., Findings: The literature review reported a strong need for cultural safety in both the clinical and education systems. Students with access to cultural supports, relationships with Aboriginal mentors and academics and Aboriginal clinical placements felt empowered and were able to navigate the 'two worlds' in a meaningful way., Discussion: This review highlights a significant gap in the literature. Despite the expanded search terms to include Aboriginal health students, a relatively narrow range of papers were found. Interestingly, the combined search revealed similar themes: kinship, personal factors, and cultural issues., Conclusion: Empowering and supporting Aboriginal Peoples to become midwives is essential. While systems and societies aim for cultural safety, this review shows there is still a way to go. Further research is essential to decolonise higher education and health care systems, and provide strong, well supported pathways for Aboriginal midwifery students., (Copyright © 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nurses and midwives of Australia now is the time for change! As powerfully placed, Indigenous and non-Indigenous nursing and midwifery professionals, together we can ensure an effective and robust Indigenous curriculum in our nursing and midwifery schools of education. Today, Australia finds itself in a shifting tide of social change, where the voices for better and safer health care ring out loud. Voices for justice, equity and equality reverberate across our cities, our streets, homes, and institutions of learning. It is a call for new songlines of reform. The need to embed meaningful Indigenous health curricula is stronger now than it ever was for Australian nursing and midwifery. It is essential that nursing and midwifery leadership continue to build an authentic collaborative environment for Indigenous curriculum development. Bipartisan alliance is imperative for all academic staff to be confident in their teaching and learning experiences with Indigenous health syllabus. This paper is a call out. Now is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and midwives to make a stand together, for justice and equity in our teaching, learning, and practice. Together we will dismantle systems, policy, and practices in health that oppress. The Black Lives Matter movement provides us with a 'now window' of accepted dialogue to build a better, culturally safe Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring that Black Lives Matter in all aspects of health care.

Background: Women at risk of preterm birth before 32 weeks gestation are routinely transferred to facilitate birth at a hospital that has Neonatal Intensive Care. The clinical outcomes of being 'in-born" improves newborn and neonatal outcomes is well documented. However little is known about the women's experiences when such a complication occurs., Method: Using the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Patient and Carer stories method, 10 women were purposively invited and consented to tell their stories. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken during their inpatient stay and then again, by telephone in the months following their baby's due date. Themes were identified, illustrated by exemplars., Results: All women were multiparous. Without exception, the women said that having the support of their family was the most important factor in coping with their unexpected hospitalisation and the anxiety of having to deal with the uncertainty of their pregnancy outcome. The most difficult aspect of their experience was the distress of being separated from their children and families and undue stress and distress from their partners. Other issues they identified were: physical difficulties during transfer; information overload as they sought to understand their changing circumstances; accommodation issues; and financial stress resulting from their relocation., Conclusions: All women perceived their midwifery, obstetric and neonatal care to be exceptional and their neonatal outcomes were positive. Improvements may be made by facilitating family contact allowing flexible visiting, assisting with partner/family accommodation, providing women with their basic needs during transport and providing assistance to relieve financial strain., (Copyright © 2017 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Despite low rates of home birth throughout most Western countries, the topic generates considerable debate. This is reflected by the differing positions on home birth adopted by professional colleges representing obstetricians and midwives. We reviewed position statements of midwifery and obstetric colleges in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to explore how the same body of research evidence leads to different positions. Aside from a joint statement from the UK we found widely differing stances, reflecting traditional midwifery perspectives of birth as a physiological process versus obstetric perspectives of potential pathology. We feel the differences in position statements are largely the end product of significant confirmatory bias., Tweetable Abstract: Review of organisational position on home birth suggests bias in literature interpretation., (© 2015 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Background: In many countries midwives act as the main providers of care for women throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. In our large public teaching hospital in Australia we restructured the way midwifery care is offered and introduced caseload midwifery for one third of women booked at the hospital. We then compared the costs and birth outcomes associated with caseload midwifery compared to the two existing models of care, standard hospital care and private obstetric care., Methods: We undertook a cross sectional study examining the risk profile, birth outcomes and cost of care for women booked into one of the three available models of care in a tertiary teaching hospital in Australia between July 1st 2009 December 31st 2010. To control for differences in population or case mix we described the outcomes for a cohort of low risk first time mothers known as the 'standard primipara'., Results: Amongst the 1,379 women defined as 'standard primipara' there were significant differences in birth outcome. These first time 'low risk' mothers who received caseload care were more likely to have a spontaneous onset of labour and an unassisted vaginal birth 58.5% in MGP compared to 48.2% for Standard hospital care and 30.8% with Private obstetric care (p < 0.001). They were also significantly less likely to have an elective caesarean section 1.6% with MGP versus 5.3% with Standard care and 17.2% with private obstetric care (p < 0.001). From the public hospital perspective, over one financial year the average cost of care for the standard primipara in MGP was $3903.78 per woman. This was $1375.45 less per woman than those receiving Private obstetric care and $1590.91 less than Standard hospital care per woman (p < 0.001). Similar differences in cost were found in favour of MGP for all women in the study who received caseload care., Conclusions: Cost reduction appears to be achieved through reorganising the way care is delivered in the public hospital system with the introduction of Midwifery Group Practice or caseload care. The study also highlights the unexplained clinical variation that exists between the three models of care in Australia.

Background: Australia has an enviable record of safety for women in childbirth. There is nevertheless growing concern at the increasing level of intervention and consequent morbidity amongst childbearing women. Not only do interventions impact on the cost of services, they carry with them the potential for serious morbidities for mother and infant.Models of midwifery have proliferated in an attempt to offer women less fragmented hospital care. One of these models that is gaining widespread consumer, disciplinary and political support is caseload midwifery care. Caseload midwives manage the care of approximately 35-40 a year within a small Midwifery Group Practice (usually 4-6 midwives who plan their on call and leave within the Group Practice.) We propose to compare the outcomes and costs of caseload midwifery care compared to standard or routine hospital care through a randomised controlled trial., Methods/design: A two-arm RCT design will be used. Women will be recruited from tertiary women's hospitals in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia. Women allocated to the caseload intervention will receive care from a named caseload midwife within a Midwifery Group Practice. Control women will be allocated to standard or routine hospital care. Women allocated to standard care will receive their care from hospital rostered midwives, public hospital obstetric care and community based general medical practitioner care. All midwives will collaborate with obstetricians and other health professionals as necessary according to the woman's needs., Discussion: Data will be collected at recruitment, 36 weeks antenatally, six weeks and six months postpartum by web based or postal survey. With 750 women or more in each of the intervention and control arms the study is powered (based on 80% power; alpha 0.05) to detect a difference in caesarean section rates of 29.4 to 22.9%; instrumental birth rates from 11.0% to 6.8%; and rates of admission to neonatal intensive care of all neonates from 9.9% to 5.8% (requires 721 in each arm). The study is not powered to detect infant or maternal mortality, however all deaths will be reported. Other significant findings will be reported, including a comprehensive process and economic evaluation., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000349246.

Maternity services in Australia are in urgent need of change. During the last 10 years several reviews have highlighted the need to provide more continuity of care for women in conjunction with the rationalisation of services. One solution may lie in the development of new integrated systems of care where primary-level maternity units offer midwifery-led care and women are transferred into perinatal centres to access tertiary-level obstetric technology and staff when required. This case study outlines the introduction of caseload midwifery into an Area Health Service in metropolitan Sydney. Our objective is to explore the concept of caseload midwifery and the process of implementing the first midwifery-led unit in NSW within an integrated service network. The midwife-led unit is a small but growing phenomenon in many countries. However, the provision of "continuity" and "woman-centred" midwifery care involves radical changes to conventional hospital practice.

Unlabelled: Despite low rates of home birth throughout most Western countries, the topic generates considerable debate. This is reflected by the differing positions on home birth adopted by professional colleges representing obstetricians and midwives. We reviewed position statements of midwifery and obstetric colleges in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to explore how the same body of research evidence leads to different positions. Aside from a joint statement from the UK we found widely differing stances, reflecting traditional midwifery perspectives of birth as a physiological process versus obstetric perspectives of potential pathology. We feel the differences in position statements are largely the end product of significant confirmatory bias.Tweetable Abstract: Review of organisational position on home birth suggests bias in literature interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]