Midwifery Student Continuity of Care Experience

The Australian College of Midwives (2006) describes continuity of care as “… the ongoing midwifery relationship between the student and the woman from initial contact in early pregnancy, through to the weeks immediately after the woman has given birth, across the interface between community and hospital settings”.

JCU student involvement in Continuity of Care Experiences is a privilege and invaluable in the development of their understanding of care for women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, after birth and at home. A registered midwife will supervise the student throughout this contact.

Your participation in the Continuity of Care Experience requires the student to be in regular contact with you throughout your pregnancy, including:

• Attending at least four antenatal appointments
• Being with you during your labour and birth (with your permission)
• Following you and your baby’s progress for six weeks after birth, attending at least two postnatal appointments.

Contact between you and the student may include telephone or email contact when physical meetings are not possible.

Discuss your willingness to participate in the Continuity of Care Experience with the important people in your life.

Discuss your involvement in the Continuity of Care Experience with your midwife and/or doctor.

Complete the sign-up form to submit your contact details to the JCU College of Healthcare Sciences. The student allocated to you will then make contact with you.

If you choose to consent to participate in the Continuity of Care Experience, you are under no obligation to continue if you find your circumstances change. If you withdraw, there will be no effect on your care.

To discuss the Continuity of Care Experience further, please contact:

Gill Harris
BNSc/BMid COC Experience Coordinator
Email: gillian.harris@jcu.edu.au
Tel: 07 4781 5329

Dr Heather Grimes
BNSc/BMid Course Coordinator
Email: heather.grimes@jcu.edu.au
Tel: 07 4781  6723