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LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Gold Coast

Unit description

Introduces students to an overview of their program of study. The history of midwifery, contemporary midwifery practice issues and the philosophical underpinnings and primary health care philosophies aligned with midwifery are discussed. The politics of health systems, professional regulation, and legal and ethical issues are examined, and the influence of feminism on women and midwifery in society are explored. The foundational skills required for entry to the healthcare environment, including principles of work health and safety, communication and reflection on practice are introduced.

Unit content

  1. History of health provision from an Australian and global perspective
  2. Historical context of health
  3. Midwifery in society - The history of midwifery
  4. Midwifery professional regulation
  5. Legal and ethical considerations in the maternity care context
  6. Providing quality, safe and culturally appropriate midwifery practice

 

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1discuss the history of Australia’s health care system, and how the history of midwifery in Australia, impacts contemporary midwifery care
2define the principles and philosophy of contemporary midwifery from a feminist perspective
3apply legal, ethical theories and legal principles to discussions on common dilemmas in practice, women's rights, and health care practice
4discuss midwifery as a public health strategy that improves maternal health outcomes, and quality and safety

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. discuss the history of Australia’s health care system, and how the history of midwifery in Australia, impacts contemporary midwifery care
  2. define the principles and philosophy of contemporary midwifery from a feminist perspective
  3. apply legal, ethical theories and legal principles to discussions on common dilemmas in practice, women's rights, and health care practice
  4. discuss midwifery as a public health strategy that improves maternal health outcomes, and quality and safety

Prescribed Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts
  • McDonald, F. J., & Then, S-N., 2019, Ethics, law and health care: a guide for nurses and midwives, 2nd edn, Red Globe Press, London UK. ISBN: 9781352005394.
  • Pairman, Sally. & Tracy, Sally. & Dahlen, Hannah G. & Dixon, Lesley. , 2019, Midwifery: preparation for practice, 4th edn, Elsevier, Chatswood, NSW. ISBN: 9780729542678.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment
  • No prescribed resources/equipment.
Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Tutorial 2 hrs (Weekly)
Workshop 1 hr (Weekly)
Assessment
ePortfolio40%
Quiz10%
Digital storytelling50%

Teaching method
Tutorial 2 hrs (Weekly)
Workshop 1 hr (Weekly)
Assessment
ePortfolio40%
Quiz10%
Digital storytelling50%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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