Decision Making In Midwifery Practice

The book looks at a broad perspective of decision making and each chapter focuses on a specific aspect related to making crucial decisions. Following an initial introduction the book explores the concept of autonomy and the many factors that influence autonomous practise. The role of knowledge in decision making, using evidence to inform decisions, as well as different approaches to decision making are also examined - including the traditional or rational approach, decision analysis and the development of professional judgement. Dilemmas arise when decisions are made and therefore ethical decision making is an important component of this book. Management decisions may be different from those related to giving specific care to women, hence one chapter focuses on making management decisions. Emphasis is also placed on the role of the midwife in helping women make their own decisions, the role of reflection in enhancing the decisions midwives make and the support midwives can receive from their Supervisor of Midwives. Flowcharts explain and facilitate the decision-making process. A very practical approach to decision-making in midwifery, with contributions from midwives who have considerable experience in this area Provides guidelines on how to achieve successful autonomous midwifery practice, enabling theory to be effectively applied to practice Includes coverage of management roles and decision-making as well as clinical scenarios, offering frameworks and flowcharts to guide the inexperienced Suggests different approaches to making difficult decisions

Decision-making pervades all aspects of midwifery practice across the world. Midwifery is informed by a number of decision-making theories, but it is sometimes difficult to marry these theories with practice. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of decision-making for midwives irrespective of where in the world they practice or in which model of care. The first part critically reviews decision-making theories, including the Enhancing Decision-making Assessment in Midwifery (EDAM) tool, and their relevance to midwifery. It explores the links between midwifery governance, including professional regulation and the law, risk and safety and decision-making as well as how critical thinking and reflection are essential elements of decision-making. It then goes on to present a number of diverse case studies, demonstrating how they interrelate to and impact upon optimal midwifery decision-making. Each chapter presents examples that show how the theory translates into practice and includes activities to reinforce learning points. Bringing together a diverse range of contributors, this volume will be essential reading for midwifery students, practising midwives and midwifery academics.

Why ethics for midwives? -- Existing ethical codes, guidelines, and value statements -- Privacy and confidentiality -- Informed consent/choice -- Who is the client? -- Multiple relationships -- Scope of practice and competence -- Working with other professionals -- Client non-compliance and termination of care -- Diversity, equity, and justice -- Addressing ethical concerns -- Ethical thinking, caring, and decision-making.

This book teaches students and educators in the midwifery field how to tackle dilemmas and decision making. Combining theory and practice, and promoting critical thinking, this book provides key knowledge alongside case studies of how to approach real-life dilemmas in midwifery. Written and edited by experts in the field, this book gives midwives and student midwives the opportunity to experience a systematic approach to facing dilemmas and decision making through the use of clinical scenarios. This is done in a safe space through an annotated thinking aloud framework where students and educators can have open discussions. Student midwives and practitioners are given the opportunity to explore professional dilemmas they might not have witnessed and uncover new theories that will influence future decisions. Linked to the 2019 NMC Standards for Midwifery, this book is essential reading for all stages of the midwifery career including those supporting students, coordinating care teams and those supporting multi-cultural communities. The midwives' personal reflections explore best practice and take account of other professional perspectives, including facilitators and barriers to interdisciplinary working. Learners will be able to consider a number of factors including concepts and theories, ethics and legal accountability, to explore how they interplay in making decisions.

Nursing: Decision-Making Skills for Practice is an evidence-based guide for student nurses that prepares them to make effective decisions on the ward and in the community.

"Given the increasing complexities of co-morbidities in women of childbearing age, this book provides a case study approach to several critical conditions which challenge all health care professionals working in this field. The case study approach will help midwives, doctors, midwifery and medical students to ground their clinical skills training on each specific situation by working through the questions and answer format. Of particular importance is the emphasis on inter-professional team working and the links between theory and practice." Dr. Rita Borg Xuereb, Head of Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta "The authors are to be commended as this is the first book of its kind and is well overdue ... The content is excellent, well referenced and covers all of the important issues ... The layout makes the book easy to read and the inclusion of pre-reading, self-assessment of knowledge and case studies engages the reader and stimulates further study into the pathophysiology and management of obstetric emergencies. I particularly liked the chapter on sepsis." Professor Christine Kettle, University Hospital of North Staffordshire & Staffordshire University, UK Part of a case book series, this book contains 14 common pregnancy and childbirth emergency scenarios to help prepare student midwives for life in practice. Each case explores and explains the pathology, pharmacology and care principles, and uses test questions and answers to help assess learning. The practical cases link theory to practice and their grounding in reality will really help bring midwifery to life. The book also: Covers the principles, pathology and skills involved in a range of birthing scenarios Acts as a useful aide memoire when simulating managing care procedures Demonstrates the importance of inter-professional team working in problem-solving Uses tables, diagrams and textboxes throughout, which act as a useful reference point Midwifery Practice is essential reading for student midwives, medical students and paramedics and a valuable resource for health professionals pursuing postgraduate studies in high dependency/ critical care. It is also beneficial to the facilitation of maternity based OSCEs. Contributors: Sam Bharmal, Susan Brydon, Margaret Ramsay, Jane Rutherford, Andrew Sim

"This book is extremely enjoyable to read. The practical and real life exercises take this book to the next level and make a heavy subject enjoyable and educational... a must have guide for all student nurses." Lisa Perraton, Student Nurse, University of Chester, UK This practical book provides a framework to assist student nurses in developing skills as decision makers. The book uses cases and practical examples to help relate theory to practice, starting with the transition to becoming a student nurse and moving through the different stages of a pre-registration nursing course. Key topics explored include: Learning to make clinical decisions Using knowledge to inform decisions Making decisions as part of a team Reflecting on practice and building a portfolio Understanding ethical and legal issues involved in decision making Making the transition from being a student to making clinical decisions as a registered nurse. Clinical scenarios are used to highlight key points within the book and reflective activities are included for students to complete and use as part of their portfolio and skill development. The Student Nurse Guide to Decision Making in Practice is designed to be used throughout the whole nursing programme, is suitable to all nursing branches and offers a useful guide for ongoing practice. Contributors Ian Simpson, Dawn Ritchie, Anne Bacon

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has become a required element of clinical practice, but it is critical for the healthcare community to understand the ongoing controversy surrounding EBM. Seeking to address questions raised by critics, The Philosophy of Evidence-based Medicine challenges the over dependency of EBM on randomized controlled trials. This book also explores EBM methodology and its relationship with other approaches used in medicine.