The Bachelor of Midwifery and Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery students of the University of Queensland are required to undertake Continuity of Care experiences as part of their programs. Continuity of Care experience means the ongoing midwifery relationship between the student and the woman from initial contact in early pregnancy through to the weeks immediately after the woman has given birth, across the interface between community and hospital settings.
Aim
The aim of the Continuity of Care experiences is for midwifery students to attend and observe the care provided to women and their families during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. Continuity of Care experiences offer continuity and the development of a trusting and supportive relationship between a midwifery student and mother.
As a Continuity of Care experience Mother
As a Continuity of Care experience mother, one student would accompany you to your antenatal visits, offer to provide you with support during labour and birth, and the postnatal period. The student however does not replace your primary care provider. If you have any questions or concerns related to your pregnancy, you must consult with your midwife, general practitioner, or your obstetrician. If you are willing to participate in this process please sign both copies of the consent forms given to you by the student. One form is to be returned to the student and the other is a copy for your own records.
Your participation
Your participation is purely voluntary and you are free to withdraw at any time. Whether you choose to participate or not will have no bearing on the care provided to you or your family. We appreciate that in the Continuity of Care experience relationship personal information may be shared and we assure you that this information will be treated in confidence. Students will only use this information for education purposes and will use a pseudonym or “false name” for you when reflecting on discussions either in class or in their portfolios.
Are you an expecting mother wanting to take part in our Continuity of Care program? If so, please enter your details below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Questions?
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the nature of your involvement, which you feel have not been addressed to your satisfaction, please do not hesitate to contact Maggie Ciranni (Midwife) —Continuity of Care experience Coordinator—at m.ciranni@uq.edu.au. As part of the Continuity of Care experience process, feedback about your experience is vital and you are invited to complete an evaluation about your experience as a Continuity of Care experience mother. Thank you in anticipation of your valuable contribution to the education of our future midwives.