Pregnancy Care in General Practice

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Students are required to have access to a computer with e-mail application and a web browser. Technical support is not available from the University of Melbourne in setting up such a system.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides an introduction to pregnancy care in the primary care setting. Its purpose is to develop the clinician’s knowledge and skills in the provision of care to pregnant women assessed at low risk of complications. Topics covered include the physiology of pregnancy related to risk assessment, tests and investigations, lifestyle considerations and clinical assessment.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Relate the physiology of pregnancy to care provided to a pregnant women at low risk of complications
• Understand the different models of maternity care available locally and the scope of practice of all health professionals involved in providing pregnancy care
• Provide information and education to pregnant women consistent with evidence based clinical practice guidelines
• Conduct clinical assessments for maternal well being and foetal growth in collaboration with the General Practitioner
• Develop a resource kit on local services providing information and education on childbirth, breast feeding, preparation for parenthood and local maternal and child health centres.

Theoretical Component:

• Pregnancy resource folio equivalent to 2,000 words due mid-semester (50%)
• 2,000-word written assignment due end of semester (50%)

Clinical Component:

• Professional practice folio which must include evidence of competency in clinical pregnancy assessment skills due end of semester (pass/fail hurdle requirement)

Students must achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% and a pass in the clinical hurdle requirement in order to pass the subject.

3 Centres Consensus Guidelines on Antenatal Care, Mercy Hospital for Women, Southern Health and Royal Women’s Hospital, 2006 (http://www.3centres.com.au)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate:

• enhanced skills in the provision of woman centred care
• further developed communication skills