Competency | Existing Courses | Proposals | Maintaining skills and support. |
a. Supporting normality. Incorporated into this course will be professional judgement and decision making | One MM 'normality module, (Dundee) to commence April 2003. | Develop regional multi-professional courses set at two levels | Ensure that those caring for high risk pregnancies will have continued experience of managing normality |
b. Counselling skills, History taking | Some local courses and university module courses | Course - interpersonal skills and history taking | Updating and peer support. |
c. Risk assessment, management and managing uncertainty | Some local ad-hoc courses and modules in degree courses | Specific courses to supplement a &b | Frequent drills and simulation activities. Exchange with larger units |
d. Adult resuscitation and obstetric emergencies | Specific courses such as ALSO but also locally organised courses | Develop regional courses with annual update for all involved in delivery of maternity care | Frequent drills and simulation activities. Exchange with larger units |
e. Neonatal emergencies | NALS or locally developed courses. | Develop regional courses with annual revision for all involved in delivery of maternity care | Frequent drills and simulation activities. Use of telemedicine |
f. IV cannulation and IV fluid replacement | Local courses | Develop a multi-professional maternity care skills course | |
g. Perineal care and suturing | Local courses and clinical experience | Regional approach | Experience and updating |
h. Examination of the Newborn | No course in Scotland | Develop local courses (like Trowbridge) | |
i. Midwife prescribing | Generic nurse prescribing courses | Develop midwifery specific course | Need legislation change |
j. management of pain | No specific course but should be integral to a managing normality course | Include in managing normality and midwife prescribing course | |
k. Ventouse Delivery | No course in Scotland | Develop regional clinically focused courses | Maintain competency and skills, telemedicine |
l. Ultrasonic scanning | A few local courses to develop basic scanning skills. Advanced two year course (Aberdeen, Newcastle) | Develop courses set at two levels - easily accessible | Use of telemedicine to support scanning skills and interpretation |