Sadie Geraghty

Placenta praevia, placental abruption and amphetamine use in pregnancy: A case study

UNLABELLED Pregnant women who misuse alcohol or substances often develop obstetric conditions that further complicate their pregnancy. This case study reflects on the maternity care provided for a woman who continued to use amphetamines during her pregnancy; and who was diagnosed with placenta praevia and subsequently suffered a placental abruption. Alcohol and substance misuse in pregnancy is currently escalating, increasing the risk in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Midwives must be confident in the advice and care they provide in order to reduce the risks caused by substance misuse, and be able to support this with evidence-based care. PURPOSE The purpose of this case study is to discuss the obstetric condition involved with placenta praevia with the occurrence of a placental abruption in a woman who uses amphetamines during pregnancy; and the midwifery and obstetric care involved. INTEREST/RELEVANCE/CONGRUENCY: It will highlight the importance of evidence-based care in high risk obstetrics. CONTENT (1) Case summary; (2) discussion; (3) risk factors; screening, diagnosis and management; foetal and neonatal monitoring; postnatal management, and trauma informed care. CONCLUSION It was shown with planning, understanding, communication, and vigilance, the care of an amphetamine using pregnant woman with a diagnosis of placenta praevia and abruption can be successfully accomplished. The management of the woman discussed in this case study was within the recommendations currently available in the literature.

African immigrant parents' understanding of their teenagers' newly diagnosed diabetes status in Perth, Western Australia

The aim of this investigation was to develop insight into what a sample of migrant African parents now residing in Western Australia knew about, and were able to provide in relation to the dietary needs of their recently-diagnosed diabetic teenager through an exploration of family food habits.In recent years, Western Australia has seen a sharp increase in the size of its African population due to both economic and refugee migration. A rise in the numbers of teenagers of African origin diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and associated complications has been noticeable. A different ethnic background is a known risk factor for poor metabolic control, and this trend is reflected in recent studies wherein people of African origin have been found to have a high risk of developing diabetes. What is also clear from the health promotion literature is that parents of teenagers with a chronic health condition, when they are well informed about that condition, play a key part its management. Little is known, though, about what African migrant parents’ understand about diabetes and its dietary controlTwelve parents from five different countries of origin participated in this survey. Despite all participants having received education on the topic from a dedicated paediatric diabetes nurse, it was evident from their families’ food habits that either an understanding of or the capacity to accommodate the dietary requirements of their diabetic teenager was minimal.The results of this small survey indicate a need to revise the information provided to African migrant parents of diabetic teenagers to more closely accommodate cultural preferences. Further work is necessary to determine the most effective approach to health education with this group of health care consumers.

In the shadow of the ivory tower: Experiences of midwives and nurses undertaking PhDs

AIMS The aims of this study were to gain an understanding of the experiences of nurses and midwives enrolled in a PhD, explore any barriers that PhD students encounter whilst completing the degree, and develop recommendations for consideration in formulating support strategies to encourage completion for nurses and midwives enrolled on a PhD degree. BACKGROUND It is important to understand what is happening at doctoral level education for nurses and midwives, and how those enrolled on PhD courses can successfully complete their studies, transition learning, and acquire the ability to undertake research into the clinical environments. DESIGN The criteria for inclusion into the study was that participants were either a Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife enrolled in a PhD degree. METHODS A mixed methodology, non-experimental design approach was used with purposive sampling in an anonymous survey, that included both qualitative and quantitative questions to collect data in 2017. FINDINGS Supervisors and supervision were the focus of the participants responses, and issues were identified in negotiating the right supervisors for nurse/midwife PhD students. PhD students would benefit from specific teaching and the opportunity to discuss issues that occur as part of the PhD process. CONCLUSION Academia needs to consider new approaches to more effectively integrate teaching time into supervision, thereby optimising PhD completion for nursing and midwifery PhD students.

Midwifery students’ understanding and knowledge of normal birth before ‘delivery’ of curriculum

OBJECTIVE To generate new knowledge that describes and explains the views and understanding, regarding midwifery and normal birth, that newly enrolled midwifery students hold at the commencement of their midwifery education. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive approach was used in conjunction with an anonymous questionnaire. SETTING A tertiary University in Western Australia FINDINGS: Eighteen postgraduate midwifery students (PG), and twenty undergraduate midwifery students (UG), completed the questionnaire.Postgraduate midwifery students with a nursing background had a pronounced medical terminology and philosophy, as opposed to undergraduate midwifery students. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Midwifery educators will need to ensure the teaching of midwifery philosophy and normal birth at the commencement of midwifery courses, before historical perspectives and anatomy and physiology. Students need to be aware that birth is not reliant on risk management or students personal values, otherwise it will be difficult for new midwifery students to understand birth as a normal, physiological process.

Newborn Care Practices of Mothers in Arab Societies: Implication for Infant Welfare:

Introduction: There are at least 22 Arab league states and sections in Northern Africa, southwestern Asia, and Europe that incorporate the vast Middle Eastern culture. The purpose of this study was to identify the cultural variations in newborn care practices, self-management of common illnesses, and their potential impact on infant welfare. Method: A qualitative design using a focus group approach with 37 Arab mothers in Jordan was used. Results: Findings revealed strong similarities in terms of beliefs, care practices, and the experience of intergenerational conflict in establishing and maintaining traditional practices among mothers. Potentially harmful practices included restrictive swaddling, rubbing a newborn’s body with salt, and encouraging the ingestion of herbs in newborns. Discussion: It is important for nurses and midwives to be aware of traditional practices, cultural beliefs, and the implications for infant welfare if they are to effectively engage with families to promote the well-being of the newborn.

iMidwife: midwifery students’ use of smartphone technology as a mediated educational tool in clinical environments

Background: The increasing use of smartphone technology in health care provides midwifery students with unprecedented access to online resources that facilitates the optimal care of women and supports ongoing learning. Problem: A small pilot study was conducted in Western Australia, with 29 undergraduate and postgraduate midwifery students to explore the use of smartphone technology whilst in clinical practice. Aim: This study aimed to define the impact of smartphones in clinical decision-making and learning whilst in clinical areas, by midwifery students at the point of care. Methods: An online survey was used to collect data. Findings: Five consistent themes were identified from the results. Smartphone technology encourages self-directed learning, consolidation of theory, engagement through blended learning, complements online education in clinical practice and is a trend in the future of midwifery curriculum. Conclusion: Smartphones enhance the learning and mobility of supportive resources that consolidate midwifery students’ clinical experience in workplace environments.

Reconstructing compassion: should it be taught as part of the curriculum?

Currently, within the nursing and midwifery curriculum of Australia, the concepts of caring and compassion are not routinely taught. While these are thought of as integral components for nursing and midwifery students to develop during their theoretical and practical training, it is questionable whether they can actually be taught, or whether they are innate to the individuals own disposition. This article suggests that compassion is under threat, and examines whether it is possible to teach these concepts within the nursing and midwifery curriculum to address this possible deficit within the professions.

Exploring the professional issue of group B streptococcus screening in pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, women are offered various screenings and diagnostic procedures. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is currently a routine screening process in Australia, but not in the United Kingdom, which is offered to women at 35–37 weeks gestation. The results of GBS screening alter a woman’s course of care for labor and the postnatal period. This article is a review of evidence, policy, and clinical practice and aims to determine whether GBS screening is necessary and whether the screening has a positive or negative impact on women and their babies.