Module Descriptors

Module Aim:  This is an integrated theory / practice module to apply knowledge and skills within the practice context to provide holistic, person-centred care for childbearing women and infants with complications.

Module Content:  This module will develop and apply knowledge and skills in the student, required for safe, effective and respectful care to high risk women, their babies and families within the practice area.

The module will include the following theory and skills:

• ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) Approach
• MEWS (Modified Early Warning Score) Tool
• SBAR (Situation, Background Assessment, Recommendation) Tool
• Stabilisation and transfer
• Concepts of high dependency care
• Resuscitation in pregnancy
• Blood groups and blood transfusion
• Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Preoperative and postoperative care
• Shock (hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, neurogenic, anaphylactic, septic)
• Shoulder dystocia
• Antepartum haemorrhage
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• Twin delivery
• Breech delivery
• Cord presentation
• Cord prolapse
• Eclamptic seizure
• Inverted uterus 
• Intravenous cannulation
• Intravenous drug and fluid administration
• Insertion of urinary catheter
• Oxygen therapy
• Psychological aspects of obstetric emergencies
• Impact of race and culturally competent care

• Simulation in the UWS Skills Laboratories using scenario-based learning. The SMOTs system will also be used in conjunction with simulation as a teaching and learning tool.


• This module also includes 3 practice placements (20 weeks) for the assessed practice proficiencies to develop independence to ensure fitness for practice. Proficiencies are defined in relation to application of detailed academic knowledge to clinical practice and achievement is attained in performing specialised clinical skills and the development and demonstration of professional behaviours (NMC Standards of proficiency for midwives, 2019).


• The student’s practice learning experience is guided, supported and monitored by the following (links): • Practice Supervisors, Practice Assessor and an Academic Assessor - Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (NMC, 2018). • Standards for Pre-Registration Midwifery Programmes (NMC, 2019). • UWS Work-Based and Placement Learning (UWS Regulatory Framework 1.68-1.79 2020-21). • School Health and Life Science Practice Learning Statement, 2018 • School Health and Life Sciences Learning Protocol, 2018. • Full details of NMC Standards and UWS regulations that govern work-based learning are available in the module handbook.


• The holistic promotion, support and maintenance of breastfeeding will be reviewed and assessed in relation to an overall, comprehensive and detailed knowledge and understanding of UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative University Standards (UNICEF,2019):Theme1:Understanding breastfeeding; Theme2:Support infant feeding; Theme3 Support close and loving relationships;Theme4:manage the challenges; Theme 5; promote positive communication.


• This module will support students to develop characteristics which can contribute to the UWS graduate attributes which are Universal (critical thinking, analytical, inquiring, culturally aware, emotionally intelligent, ethically-minded, collaborative, research-minded and socially responsible); Work ready (knowledgeable, problem solving, digitally literate, effective communicator, motivated, potential leader) and Successful (innovative, autonomous, incisive, creative, resilient, daring and transformational) (I am UWS, 2018).


• Module content maps to BSc Midwifery Programme Educational Framework (adapted from Framework for Quality Maternal and Newborn Care ,Renfrew et al., 2014) to levels: • Educational Content - Professional and Personal Development; Midwifery Knowledge and Practice: Development Complex Care. • Teaching and Learning strategies - Peer supported Learning; Scenario-based Teaching. • Student Values. • Students.


• Mapped to NMC (2019) Proficiencies: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.27, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.15, 3.18, 3.19, 3.22, 3.23, 3.25, 3.26, 3.27, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 4.4.5, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4,10, 4.11, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.12, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, 5.13.3, 5.13.4, 5.13.5, 5.13.6, Domain 6.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Integrate theory with practice through participation in complex care for childbearing women and infants with complications.

L2. Demonstrate critical knowledge and appropriate application of the evidence-based management and care of obstetric emergency situations incorporating the role of the midwife within the multiprofessional team.

L3. Work within a multi-disciplinary team demonstrating effective communication and appropriate referrals for women and infants with complex needs.

Demonstrating a detailed knowledge of the theories relating to the management of emergencies, critical care and life saving skills.

Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of theory and evidence-based research relating to high-risk midwifery and neonatal care

Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of the breast and physiology of lactation.

Appreciating the importance of breast milk on the health and well-being of the infant.

Using analytical and inquiry-based skills to problem-solve.

Identifying deviations from normal and implementing appropriate action.

Demonstrating advanced execution of a variety of complex skills in a simulated and clinical environment.

Integrating learned theory with clinical practice in relation to performance of specified clinical skills necessary for delivery of high-risk care to women and babies.

Supporting mothers to successfully establish and maintain breastfeeding.

Supporting mothers to overcome breastfeeding challenges.

Utilising problem-solving skills in emergency obstetric scenarios.

Managing emergency / critical situations using evidence-based practice.

Assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating care delivered to high-risk women and their babies in accordance with care-planning strategies.

Critically evaluating evidence-based guidelines/protocols in relation to management of high-risk midwifery care.

Reflecting on own practice and evaluation of practice.

Utilising a range of complex communication skills to care for women and their families where childbirth and neonatal health is compromised by maternal ill health, pregnancy compromise, stillbirth or fetal abnormality.

Communicating effectively with peers and the multiprofessional team.

Evaluating data to inform effective care.

Undertaking drug and fluid administration calculations safely and competently.

Utilising a wide range of ICT applications to support and enhance patient care.

Undertaking supervision prioritising and managing the clinical care of high-risk women and their babies.

Recognising deviation from the normal and referring appropriately to the multi-professional / multi-agency teams.

Working effectively together with others in teams in emergency/ critical situations.

Taking responsibility for own learning needs.

Adhering to and practicing in accordance with all NMC professional, legal and ethical codes/standards, managing complex ethical and professional issues making informed judgments.

Using SMOTS for reflection and peer and self-evaluation.

Developing self-confidence and self-awareness of strengths to enhance employability.

Becoming dynamic and prepared for employment in complex, ever-changing environments which require lifelong learning, personal development planning and resilience.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
Students are academically engaged if they regularly participate in timetabled on-campus and online teaching sessions, asynchronous online learning activities, course-related learning resources and complete assessments which are submitted on time (UWS Academic Engagement Procedure 2020.21; UWS Regulatory Framework, section 1.64 Academic Engagement and Attendance).

It is expected that students will attend all scheduled classes or participate with all delivered elements as part of their engagement with their programme of study.
Within this module, students are expected to attend for at least 75% of the synchronous core teaching activities to be assessed. Please refer to UWS Regulatory Framework Attendance Requirements.

Within this module 100% attendance is required for practice placements, although students who attend for at least 75% of the practice placement experience can be assessed. However, all absence in practice is required to be made up to achieve 100% attendance to meet 2,300 hours required for registration as a midwife by NMC (NMC Standards for pre-registration midwifery, 2019; UWS Regulatory Framework, section 1.65 - specific attendance requirements).

1.05

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.