http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10734 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:07:11 GMT 2026-04-11T21:07:11Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10746 Title: The evolution of registration standards for internationally qualified midwives in Australia Authors: Safari, Kolsoom; McKenna, Lisa; Davis, Jenny Abstract: Background: Registration as an internationally qualified midwife in Australia can be challenging, as the individual must meet rigorous education and professional competency assessment standards. Aim: The purpose of this discussion is to present an overview of the evolution of registration standards for internationally qualified midwives in Australia from 2000 to 2020 and evaluate their effectiveness in promoting internationally qualified midwives’ professional integration. Results: Australian registration policies for internationally qualified midwives have undergone significant change over the last 20 years. In 2010, registration policy and governance moved from state or territory to national jurisdiction, then these standards were upgraded in 2014, and finally transitioned to an outcome-based assessment (OBA) program in 2020. Inconsistency and lack of transparency in established registration policies and their implementation were revealed, most notably when bridging programs for internationally qualified midwives from non-English speaking backgrounds were discontinued in Australia in 2015, despite reference in the NMBA policy as an available transition program from 2000 to 2020. The implementation of OBA in 2020, which occurred after a significant delay, complicated registration processes further with inclusion of two levels of assessment (MCQ examination and OSCE) and associated expenses. Conclusion: Evidence-based strategies and regulatory adjustments are necessary to effectively register internationally qualified midwives in Australia, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10746 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10745 Title: Regional and clinical guidelines for prevention and care of obstetric anal sphincter injuries - A critical frame analysis Authors: Persson, Margareta; Lindberg, Inger; Öhman, Ann Abstract: Objective: Policy documents govern how the prevention and care of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are implemented. Thus, in the absence of Swedish national guidelines on OASIS, differing views may be visible in the regional and local policy documents. Therefore, we aimed to analyse regional and local policies, guidelines, and care programs on the prevention of OASIS and care for OASIS-affected women in a Swedish context by applying a critical frame analysis inspired by Verloo. Design and setting: A cross-sectional study of existing policy documents from Swedish healthcare regions was performed. The documents were analysed using Verloo’s critical frame analysis. Findings: We found that OASIS was framed as a preventable problem addressed by skilled protective manoeuvres of the healthcare staff. Education, communication, and teamwork were three frames of crucial solutions to minimise the prevalence of OASIS. However, complicating power dimensions between professional groups and between professionals and birthing women were identified. Furthermore, several discursive struggles were found, predominantly regarding the scientific evidence for the suggested prevention and care. Conclusion: The policy documents emphasised that OASIS is preventable, and improved education, communication, and teamwork could diminish the OASIS prevalence. Nevertheless, power dimensions and discursive struggles may challenge the preventive efforts. Furthermore, each Swedish region has the sovereignty to develop its policies, which was reflected in our findings and may imply inequities in care provision. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop comprehensive national high-quality guidelines of high quality for OASIS prevention and care so that all women giving birth have access to equal care and treatment in Sweden Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10745 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10744 Title: Midwifery students witnessing violence during labour and birth and their attitudes towards supporting normal labour: A cross-sectional survey Authors: Schoene, Bettina E.F.; Oblasser, Claudia; Stoll, Kathrin; Gross, Mechthild M. Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10744 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10743 Title: Creating change with families: Reflections and recommendations for the care of gender diverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families throughout pregnancy and birth Authors: Copeland, Matilda; Tucker, Julie; Briley, Annette Abstract: Objective: To derive a deeper understanding of transgender and non-binary people’s experience of pregnancy and birth, and ways to modify practice to provide inclusive care. Design: Case study reports describe the experiences of two transgender and non-binary people who received pregnancy and birth care through a Midwifery Group Practice program. Setting: A tertiary hospital in metropolitan South Australia with approximately 3800 births per annum. Methods: Qualitative methodology, utilising open-ended, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were undertaken postnatally. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim to analyse and identify themes. Findings: Both clients feared being misgendered within pregnancy care services. They appreciated the constancy of the Midwifery Group Practice midwife, which meant they did not have to repeat their history to multiple health care providers. They appreciated their pronouns being documented on case notes and welcomed staff attempts to use their preferred terms. Both felt the pregnancy care environment was focussed on cisgender females and found this alienating. They appreciated the midwife’s suggestion that the cot card for their baby did not have to be pink or blue. They both suggested staff use more genderneutral language, and resources, when providing pregnancy care. Key conclusion: Staff attempted to support these parents, and this was appreciated by them, but the continuity provided by the Midwifery Group Practice model was highly valued by both, regardless of risk status. It was identified that further education for staff was required to facilitate provision of more inclusive care. Implications for practice: The case studies identified a need for greater awareness and education for staff regarding care provision for transgender and non-binary people. Simple adjustments had a big impact. Further research is needed to identify how best to meet the needs of gender-diverse people and address the educational needs of staff. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10743 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z