This module will enable you to appreciate the socio-political influences shaping the changing context of maternity services within the NHS, independent practice and from an international perspective. You will be able to examine the variations in childbirth practices around the world and to consider midwifery practice in developed and developing countries. You will have an opportunity to undertake a 2 week elective experience, locally, nationally or internationally to observe childbirth practices.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Maternal and reproductive health: global perspective
Socio-political context of maternity services: national perspective
Educating others
A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be utilised within this module. The use of lead lectures, time for directed reading and discussions will enable students to explore topics in depth. Canvas will be used to support the teaching and learning, relevant materials will be available within the module including power point presentations and other E-learning materials.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 98 | |
| Guided independent study | 62 | |
| Study abroad / placement | 140 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Formative:
Small group presentations of proposed resource pack - peer feedback facilitated by module leader.
Summative:
Students will be tasked with developing and submitting an information resource for a professional audience. The resource will enable students to select a topic of interest relevant to the module and to present material utilising a selected medium (including but not restricted to) a website, a blog, a brochure, a podcast or a multimedia presentation. The resource pack will be accompanied by a 1000 word written rationale the purpose of which will be to articulate the aims of the pack; identifying the issue's relevance and its contribution to making a difference to midwifery practice.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Critically discuss socio-cultural and political factors influencing maternal and infant health from a global perspective. | Summative: Information resource pack with accompanying 1000 word rationale. |
| 2) Analyse the legislative framework and evaluate related strategies for improving maternity services nationally. | Summative: Information resource pack with accompanying 1000 word rationale. |
| 3) Examine developments in midwives' professional practice to promote quality maternity services which respect women's rights, interests, preferences, beliefs and cultures. | Summative: Information resource pack with accompanying 1000 word rationale. |
| 4) Assess the impact of international agencies and of global policy initiatives upon reproductive healthcare. | Summative: Information resource pack with accompanying 1000 word rationale. |
| 5) Examine the role of the midwife in promoting women's ability to have a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth. | Summative: Information resource pack with accompanying 1000 word rationale. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Information resource pack with accompanying 1000 word rationale including aims and learning objectives for a stand-alone CPD module. | Coursework | 100% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Byrom, S. and Downe, S. (2015) The roar behind the silence: why kindness, compassion and respect matter in maternity care. London. Pinter & Martin Limited.
Davies, L., Daellenbach, R. and Kensington, M. (2010) Sustainability, midwifery and birth. Routledge.
Davis-Floyd, R. (2009) Birth models that work. Berkeley. University of California Press.
Fahy, K., Foureur, M. and Hastie, C. (2008) Birth territory and midwifery guardianship: Theory for practice, education and research. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Gaskin, I.M. (2011) 'Birth matters', A Midwife's Manifesta. New York. Pinter and Martin.
Hillier, D. (2003) Childbirth in the global village: Implications for midwifery education and practice. London. Routledge.
Kitzinger, S. (2011) Rediscovering birth. London. Pinter & Martin Publishers.
Thomson, A.M. (2013) Electives and International Midwifery Consultancy: A Resource for Students, Midwives and Other Healthcare Professionals. London. Mark Allen Publishing.
Borozdina, E. (2014). 'The Social Organization of Natural Childbirth: the Case of Center for Midwifery Care', Journal of Social Policy Studies, 12(3), pp. 413-426
Clark, T. (2013) 'Global midwifery education collaborations: Translating knowledge into ethical action', Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 58(4), pp. 363-367.
Coxon, K., Sandall, J. and Fulop, N. (2014) 'To what extent are women free to choose where to give birth? How discourses of risk, blame and responsibility influence birth place decisions.' Health, Risk & Society, 16(1), pp. 51-67.
Freemantle, D. (2013) 'Part 1: The cultural web -- A model for change in maternity services', British Journal of Midwifery, 21(9), pp. 648-653.
Kitzinger, S. (2012) 'Rediscovering the social model of childbirth', Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 39(4), pp. 301-304.
Martin, L.J. (2009) 'Reproductive tourism in the age of globalization', Globalizations, 6(2), pp. 249-263
Newnham, E. (2014) 'Birth control: Power/knowledge in the politics of birth', Health Sociology Review, 23(3), pp. 254-268.
Soltani, H. and Sandall, J. (2012) 'Organisation of maternity care and choices of mode of birth: A worldwide view', Midwifery, 28(2), pp. 146-149.
Trinder, B. (2015) 'The changing landscape of maternity care', British Journal of Midwifery, 23(5), pp. 368-369.