H
September 2017
Mental Health Feature + Psychosocial support crucial for those living with terminal cancer + Organisations urged to prepare for the impact of SSM postal survey + Continuation of care model aids midwives in managing diverse birthing expectations + Research changing the lives of those with MS
CARING FOR THE CRITICALLY ILL CHILD: WORKSHOP Visit HealthTimes.com.au/subscribe SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
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ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL, SYDNEY, NOVEMBER 2-3 Or email contact@healthtimes.com.au http://bit.do/CritIllRPA
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COSMETIC INJECTABLES We provide students with a programme that leads to real opportunities and excellent understanding of Aesthetic procedures. This is a three day post graduate certificate workshop. Our trainers and staff provide students with knowledge and ongoing support vital to success in this field. On completion each delegate will be competent in the delivery of basic techniques of Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers. Expand your clinical skills as a healthcare professional. Enjoy additional income by offering rewarding treatments that can improve clients self esteem. Upcoming workshops: (Melbourne)
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PLATELET RICH PLASMA WORKSHOP (PRP) Ideal for Doctors & Registered Nurses working in anti-ageing, rejuvenation & aesthetics. Workshop Objectives: • Understand the principles of PRP and its use in clinical settings • Indications and contraindications • How to conduct a comprehensive patient history & assessment • How and when to use PRP for cosmetic applications (Skin & Hair Rejuvenation) 1 Day Certified Workshop Upcoming dates: Friday 20th October 2017 (Melbourne) Friday 24th November 2017 Visit www.aesthetictrainingaustralia.com for more information, call 1300 817 524 or email ata@skinscience.co Finance available through Maccredit.
HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 03
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September 2017 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in this Issue. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or would like to receive our publication, please email us at contact@healthtimes.com.au DISTRIBUTION 46,300
Advertiser list Australian Medicines Handbook Bendigo Health Clevelanc Clinic Abu Dhabi DC Conferences Geneva Goulburn Valley Health
The HealthTimes magazine is the most widely distributed national nursing and allied health publication in Australia. For all advertising and production enquiries please contact us by telephone on 1300 306 582, email contact@healthtimes.com.au or visit www.healthtimes.com.au Published by Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd trading as HealthTimes. ABN 29 071 328 053. Š 2017 Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. Compliance with the Trade Practices Act 1974 of advertisements contained in this publication is the responsibility of those who submit the advertisement for publication.
Next Publication: Aged Care Publication Date:
Monday 23rd October 2016
Artwork Deadline:
Monday 16th October 2016
Page 04 | HealthTimes.com.au
Health Recruitment Specialists James Cook University Karuna Medacs Healthcare Australia NSW Health Oceania University of Medicine Peninsula Health Quick and Eacy Finance Royal Flying Doctor Service Skin Science Smart Salary Victoria University
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HT-709-01138 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Mental Health Job Opportunities Available About GV Health - We are located in Shepparton, Central Victoria. Two hours’ north of Melbourne close to snow fields, rivers, lakes, wineries and the arts. We enjoy glorious weather, lifestyle, and the sports and attractions of a major regional city. Vacancies: Community Mental Health Clinicians, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinician, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinician Intake, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Triage Enhanced Team Leader, Clinical Manager – Adult Community Mental Health What’s in it for you? - Salary Packaging, Social Club, Discount Gym/Pool, Membership, Mentoring Programs, Supportive Culture, Reward and Recognition, Employee Assistance Programs, Professional Development Opportunities, Competitive Remuneration, Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave. To apply visit our website www.gvhealth.org.au Confidential Questions? Contact Kaylene Rowe, Director Mental Health – (03) 5832 2112 / kaylene.rowe@gvhealth.org.au If you want to make a real difference and work with great people, come and join us!
HT-709-01141 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Midwife - Kyneton District Health Kyneton District Health (KDH) provides a range of bed and community based services and is situated in the beautiful Macedon Ranges just 85km from Melbourne CBD. They are currently seeking an experienced and suitably qualified midwife to work in their level 2 Maternity Service. The midwife works as part of a dynamic midwifery team, providing continuity of care for women and their families throughout the pregnancy, birthing and postpartum periods. The Midwife will need to demonstrate a commitment to delivering high quality and safe patient care and be accountable and responsible for their own professional practice. To be considered for the role you will have current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a Registered Midwife. Preference will be given to those candidates who hold qualifications as an RN/RM. The salary package for the role is in accordance with the Nurses EBA. For full details of the role see our website at www.hrsa.com.au or contact Ms Jo Lowday on: 0400 158 155 or email hrsa@hrsa.com.au Applications close October 20, 2017
PO Box 83 Ocean Grove 3226 hrsa@hrsa.com.au www.hrsa.com.au
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CARING FOR THE CRITICALLY ILL CHILD: WORKSHOP ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL SYDNEY- NOVEMBER 2 & 3, 2017 For more information and to book tickets go to: http://bit.do/CritIllChild
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HT-709-01139-02 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Electroconvulsive Therapy [ECT] Coordinator/Clinic RN Macquarie Hospital is a 195 bed specialised mental health facility for adults with a serious mental illness or disorder, located in North Ryde. We are looking for an individual with motivation and drive, to join our team to maintain services and values by promoting best practice and improving the consumers experience. You must recognise the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity. Our dynamic, friendly multi-disciplinary team provides care and treatment to consumers with complex care needs. This role is within Macquarie Hospital/Mental Health Drug and Alcohol [MHDA] Services and leads and supports quality consumer health outcomes to ensure ECT practice is safe, efficient and effective. We are committed to supporting staff in salary packaging, education support and professional development. Call today to hear more about this exciting career opportunity! Contact: Anne Duncan (Nurse Manager) on 0407 264 425 or Anne.Duncan@health.nsw.gov.au
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“As a nurse it’s impossible not to be impacted by grief and loss.”
Workplace Grief & Loss Do you suffer from stress, burnout or struggle to cope with workplace grief and loss? In response to feedback from nurses, Karuna has developed training to better manage workplace grief and loss at an individual, team and management level. For further information please go to the ‘Support and Learning’ tab on our website: www.karuna.org.au or phone (07) 3632 8300. The program is approved for 3 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points from the Australian College of Nursing.
HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 09
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online.jcu.edu.au HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 11
Organisations urged to prepare for the impact of SSM postal survey By Nicole Madigan
A
s Mental Health professionals gear up for the expected consequences of the impending same sex marriage postal survey, organisations are being urged to prepare for its potential impact on company culture and employee interaction. “Regardless of the outcome of the postal survey, there will be a period up until the vote itself, and likely extending beyond that, where we see increased instances of hate language, discrimination, and harassment,” said psychologist and State Manager (NSW/ACT) of Assure Programs, Greg Prescott. “So far this has only been seen at local levels, but as the survey date gets closer, it is anticipated the frequency and scale will increase. “The result of this from a mental health perspective is a likely increase in stress and anxiety within members of the LGBTQI+ community,” said Mr Prescott. While debate within the media and the community in the leadup to the vote is already having an impact, the result of the survey, should it go ahead, is expected to exacerbate the problem, ramping up tensions as both sides push for a parliamentary vote. “And even subsequent to the vote regardless of the outcome - there are going to be groups of people profoundly unhappy
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with the result. “There will be a wide range of changes in feelings for people, a lot of which we have already seen. “Anger and outrage are already prevalent on both sides of the argument, with increases in stress and anxiety also to be expected. “Because this is a non-binding survey, even after the result is tallied these reactions are unlikely to subside until a parliamentary vote is put forward, so we may well be in for months of heightened emotional volatility and stress.” While mental health professionals are preparing for an increase in stress and anxiety related to arguments both for and against same sex marriage, the result of the vote has the potential to increase cases of depression as well. “Harassment and other effects, such as bullying, could also increase the suicide risk of some people, so it’s important that mental health professionals take this into consideration when screening for risk,” said Mr Prescott. Because the postal survey is non-binding, the outcome is expected to increase tensions, rather than ease them, as people on both sides of the argument push for a legislative change. As a result of the potential backlash,
behaviour. “Referencing policy or corporate behaviours if necessary, to reinforce tolerance, respect, courtesy of staff regardless of their position, and reminding them of the internal and external support available.”
Vote Yes!
HealthTimes proudly supports Same Sex Marriage
HT-709-00815 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Kick-start an exciting new chapter of your Mental Health career in Canberra! ACT Health is looking for experienced Registered and Enrolled Nurses and Senior Nursing Staff to fill a number of opportunities with generous salaries, professional development, and much more!
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Contact Shane King at Geneva Healthcare to arrange your interview. 1800 123 900 Email: shanek@genevahealth.com HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 13
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organisations are being urged to prepare for possible consequences such as harassment or conflict within the workplace and increases in anxiety and anger on employees. “If the conflict is not proactively managed there could be a significant impact on workplace culture as well as harmony within teams,” said Mr Prescott. “The possibility of increases in the stress, anxiety or anger levels of employees can result in increased sick leave, decreased productivity, and increased emotional volatility.” Prescott suggests businesses consider their position on SSM is, and whether they wish to communicate that position to employees. “Regardless of a business’s position, or lack thereof, it’s important to remind staff of the usual expectations of employee
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Improving knowledge and attitudes of sexuality for people with dementia
I
mproving the knowledge and attitudes concerning sexual expression of people with dementia amongst health professionals, has been the goal of a Griffith study. Dr Cindy Jones from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland has been educating and researching what is commonly seen as a challenging and sometimes taboo issue in aged care. Her research is just one of the subjects being discussed this September at Griffith during Dementia Awareness Month 2017, the theme of which is “You are not alone”. Using a webinar training program to assist health professionals in a variety of care settings, Dr Jones study aimed to increase awareness and understanding of intimacy, sexualities and sexual behaviours specific to people with dementia. “As well as increasing awareness of the issues, we have also been guiding formal carers on how to better support people with dementia on these challenging issues,” she says. The study evaluated the utility, quality and effectiveness of six, once a week 1.5 hour interactive live webinars focused on the expression of sexuality by people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities. 104 aged care workers and health professionals were involved in the study. Most participants were female with an average age of 42 years and an undergraduate qualification.
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“Results demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ knowledge and attitudes assessed following the webinars,” says Dr Jones. “Not only were the webinars positively received, but practice change was also reported from newly gained knowledge or skills. “This study demonstrates the acceptability and effectiveness of interactive live webinars in workforce education for a topic considered ethically challenging for some dementia care philosophies. It is recommended that webinar formats be considered in the suite of education delivery options that may offer equity of access for rural and remote areas of Australia. “Overall, from the research evidence we are receiving from health professionals and carers of those with dementia, we can see that there have been some positive shifts in both knowledge and attitude. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that aged care facilities should have this type of training due to the importance of the issue in the lives of people with dementia. “Others have told us that it has improved the communication they have with residents regarding dealing with these issues. “The important message is that expression of sexuality is a part of life no matter what age we are, and regardless of whether people have dementia,” says Dr Jones.
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Mental Health Nursing Positions Hornsby Kuring Gai Mental Health Service (HKMHS) is a dynamic mental health service, part of the Northern Sydney Local Health District located in an area of natural beauty with surrounding national parks but close to all the attractions Sydney has to offer. The Inpatient Service has undergone expansion and redevelopment to include a Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre, a Mental Health Intensive Care unit and an Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit, all in modern purpose built facilities. The Community Service has a number of teams with a variety of opportunities across the Assertive Outreach Team, the Acute Care Team and the Wahroonga Rehabilitation Service. Current vacancies include: • Clinical Nurse Specialists Level 2 • Registered Nurses • Enrolled Endorsed Nurses HKMHS as part of Northern Sydney Local Health District is committed to supporting staff in salary packaging, education support and professional development. Why don’t you call today to hear more about these exciting career opportunities! Anne Bajuk (Inpatient Services Manager) Telephone: 0422 001 221 - Email: Anne.bajuk@health.nsw.gov.au Elisabeth Manning (Community Services Manager) Telephone: 0477 735 162 - Email: Elisabeth.manning@health.nsw.gov.au https://facebook.com/nslhd.mhda http://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ We look forward to welcoming you into our friendly and supportive team!
HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 15
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DID YOU KNOW? Bendigo Health has additional beds in the psychiatry precinct, doubling our service in our brand new world class facility. We have nursing opportunities for all people in psychiatry.
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HT-709-01139-01 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Casual Nursing Positions To find out more contact us today: Graham Miller [Deputy Director of Nursing] Ph: 0409 525 910 Email: Graham.miller @health.nsw.gov.au
Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, Northern Sydney Local Health District is a dynamic and developing organisation. We are currently expanding our Casual Nursing pool and have a range of Casual Mental Health Nursing opportunities to work across diverse areas within MHDA including: • Manly Hospital • Royal North Shore Hospital • Hornsby Hospital • Macquarie Hospital. Casual Mental Health Nursing Positions currently being employed to are: • After Hours Nurse Manager • Registered Nurse • Assistant in Nursing • Enrolled Nurse
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HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 17
Psychosocial support crucial for those living with terminal cancer By Nicole Madigan
B
eing told you have terminal cancer and will most likely die from your illness is one of the most confronting experiences a person can endure. It challenges all aspects of your life - your mortality, well-being, family and friends. And while it’s inevitable that those with a terminal cancer diagnosis will have to manage the physical symptoms of their disease, the initial shock can trigger a psychological downward spiral which, if not taken care of, can have a detrimental impact on treatment and quality of life. “Most people experience a grief reaction,” says Dr Steve Ellen, Director, Psychosocial Oncology Program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. “A process of coming to terms with the diagnosis including waves of sadness, anger, disbelief and even a feeling they’re losing their mind.” Dealing with these early feelings is crucial, however the psychological challenges arising from a terminal cancer experience don’t end with the initial diagnosis. With patients facing physically strenuous treatment, changes in physical health and the fear of a shorter lifespan, mental health can be an ongoing challenge for people with incurable cancer. About two thirds of people with a terminal
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cancer diagnosis experience high levels of distress, and about a quarter will acquire an actual mental health problem, usually anxiety or depression. “Managing your psychological well-being during cancer treatment can be hard,” says Dr Ellen. “But doing so is very important, for a range of reasons. “The most important is so that the person can face the challenges of cancer whilst feeling as strong, calm and ready as possible.” While it can be tempting to dismiss poor mental health as an inevitable consequence of devastating physical health circumstances, failing to address it can have a negative impact on medical treatment. “It’s much harder to adhere to treatment if you’re depressed,” says Dr Ellen. “Getting to appointments, taking medications, everything is harder when you’re depressed or anxious.” Which is why cancer centres, such as Peter MacCallum, are placing increased importance on the role of psychosocial support as part of the overall treatment plan for those with a terminal cancer diagnosis. ”Psychosocial support includes psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists,
“A person who is struggling with life in general - getting out of bed, feeling motivated, feeling supported - will not cope as well with treatment.” As both the medical profession and those living with terminal cancer become more aware of the importance of good mental health and well-being, the range and effectiveness of psychosocial treatments is rapidly expanding. Encompassing a holistic approach to care, the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre has adopted the Wellbeing Model, which is based on the believe that best practice cancer care addresses not only the treatment of the disease, but the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual issues associated with living with a cancer diagnosis. The model is evidenced based and research led, and aims to develop into a multi-disciplinary model, applied across all clinical models of care. “New treatments and strategies are being developed every year,” says Dr Ellen. “New methodologies, with many taking advantage of digital technologies, such as apps, websites and online forums, which can help people in remote settings in ways we haven’t considered before. “The future is bright, but raising awareness of the importance of psychosocial care is still a challenge.”
For more articles visit HealthTimes.com.au
HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 19
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nurses, music therapist, art therapist and more,” says Dr Ellen. “It’s all the strategies used to help people cope with cancer and the treatments, including helping the families, and assisting with social problems like finances, housing and work.” “Everything from improving sleep, helping with pain, feeling happier and more in control, through to more practical benefits like supporting family members, dealing with employers, accessing financial sickness benefits and getting to appointments.” Psychosocial support can be obtained via a range of treatment options, including psychological therapies, family therapy, group therapy and support groups. “There are many techniques available, depending on the person, their needs, and the phase of their cancer. “Some techniques are relatively quick, like relaxation training, problem solving, education around cancer, whilst others are more involved, like psychotherapy or medications.” But while the use of psychosocial support services is increasing, the importance of doing so remains significantly underrecognised. “When people are first diagnosed, quite understandably, most of the attention is focused on getting treatment started,” says Dr Ellen. “This is important, but if it’s done in the absence of attention to well-being, the whole process risks falling over.
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HealthTimes - September 2017 | Page 21
Research changing the lives of those with MS More than 23,000 Australians are currently living with Multiple Sclerosis, with around 95 people in every 100,000 diagnosed with the potentially debilitating condition. Unfortunately, these numbers are increasing. Recent studies have confirmed steady growth in MS rates over the past five decades, though the reason behind the rise is unclear. Despite the increase, the outlook of those diagnosed with the disease has seen a dramatic improvement in recent years, thanks to multiple ground-breaking developments in diagnosis methods and available treatment. Until the 1990s there were no treatments available for people with MS at all. Beyond that, injectable treatments, the interferons and glatiramer acetate were introduced, reducing relapse rates on average by 30 per cent, though these were not always well tolerated. But the last five years has seen the treatment landscape completely transformed, according to MS Research Australia CEO, Dr Matthew Miles. “More than 8 new treatments have been introduced including oral medications and infusions that can be given very infrequently monthly, 6 monthly or even more than a year apart, depending on the medication,” says Dr Miles. “Many of these treatments are also highly effective in suppressing the relapses and stopping lesions from forming in the brain.”
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This means that most people with relapsing MS can find an effective medication that is suited to their own clinical and personal circumstances. While advancements for people with progressive MS have been slower, Australia has recently seen the approval of Ocrevus, the first medication to combat primary progressive MS - the continuous gradual accumulation of disability, which accounts for around 15 per cent of people with the disease. “This medication has been shown in clinical trials to slow disability progression by up to 25 per cent,” says Dr Miles. “So it is not going to stop progressive disease in it’s tracks, but it is a very important and a much-needed first step in treatments for progressive MS.” Diagnostic tools and processes have also seen significant change, meaning people with MS are able to treat and manage their condition quickly and effectively. “Diagnosis is now much earlier and easier with the advent of very clear diagnostic guidelines that include the use of MRI scans to make an earlier diagnosis of definite MS,” says Dr Miles. Developments in this area are continuing at an impressive rate, with numerous studies, trials and potential new treatment methods in the pipeline, thanks to the dedication of research organisations such as MS Research Australia, which was recently named the 2017 Telstra
HT-709-01140 1/2PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Infection Control Clinical Consultant - (ICCC) • Senior Nursing Position • Shepparton based
Reporting to the Divisional Operations Director, this position has responsibility for developing and co-ordinating activities related to the control, prevention, monitoring and feedback of hospital acquired infections across all GV Health Campuses. In addition, the ICCC is also responsible for providing expert and timely advice on issues related to infection control and prevention, for patients, staff and care givers. To be considered for the role you will have current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a Registered Nurse, hold an Infection Control post-registration certificate or relevant tertiary qualification, have a minimum of 3 years post registration experience in an acute care setting and a thorough knowledge of the Victorian, Australian and international standards and guidelines relating to Infection Control. For full details of the role see our website at www.hrsa.com.au or contact Ms Jo Lowday on: 0400 158 155 or email hrsa@hrsa.com.au Applications close Friday 20th October PO Box 83 Ocean Grove 3226 hrsa@hrsa.com.au www.hrsa.com.au
to people living with MS by putting laboratory and clinical science side-by-side. The program aims to fast-track groundbreaking research, translating into reality for the benefit of the MS community. In addition to the development of diagnostic tools and treatment, the research undertaken by MS Research Australia has enabled those with MS to more effectively manage their condition through lifestyle. “It used to be the case that people with MS were advised to avoid exercise due to concerns this could exacerbate symptoms, however, studies have shown the benefits of physical activity for managing symptoms such as fatigue and maintaining physical function and quality of life,” says Dr Miles.
For the full article visit HealthTimes.com.au
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Australian Charity of the Year. “None of these changes would have happened without research,” says Dr Miles. “Epidemiological research (is being undertaken) to identify the risk factors for MS that will ultimately help us to prevent MS altogether, and is already helping us to give the best advice to people with MS on how to minimise the impact of MS. “Immunology research to identify new treatments to stop the relapses of MS, and neurobiology research is now paving the way for us to find ways to prevent the permanent damage to nerve cells that causes ongoing and permanent disability, and to repair the loss of myelin and restore function to damaged nerve fibres.” MS Research Australia has recently teamed up with Macquarie Group Foundation to form a Paired Fellowship Program, providing hope
Continuation of Care Model aids midwives in managing diverse birthing expectations
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or a long time, women’s expectations of labour and birth were fairly straightforward. Most planned for a natural birth, assumed their partner would be by their side, and that they’d have relative control of their experience. These days, with the media and reality television often sensationalising the birthing experience, editing the process, and regularly presenting worst-case scenarios or extreme situations, birth planning isn’t so simple. Thanks to an abundance of sometimes exaggerated, and often conflicting, information, an increasing number of women have a distorted view of what birth is like, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and ultimately, disappointment. “Programs such as One Born Every Minute focus on the abnormal, and largely, on a very technological view of birth, because of course that is what makes for interesting and dramatic television,” says Maralyn Foureur, Professor of Midwifery at the University of Technology Sydney. “Quiet, calm, powerful, straightforward birth is apparently not a plot for ‘good television’.” Conversely, when birth is presented as normal, a waterbirth or similar is often depicted, resulting in many women expecting the same, having equated these experiences
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with a “normal” birth. But while a waterbirth may be considered normal, it’s not the norm at many hospitals. “Some hospitals actually have birth pools but the hospital policy may forbid women to use it- so choices are denied and expectations cannot be met,” says Dr Foureur. The internet also plays a part in forming expectations. “Women often do research on the internet and will be exposed to a range of experiences from some who want to extol the benefits of home birth or water birth or particular childbirth preparation programs like calmbirth,” says Dr Foureur. “Other websites talk about the risks of childbirth, particularly many of the hospital based childbirth preparation courses where the unwritten ‘policies’ of the hospital are espoused as something that should be followed unquestioning.” Many hospital births fall somewhere in the middle of the two extremes, meaning the chances of birthing ideals not being fulfilled is significant. “They are not of course unrealistic expectations but they will not be realised.” So it’s more important than ever for midwives to be mindful of managing the changing and diverse expectations of
Unfortunately though, the Continuity of Care Model is not yet standard, and midwives need to do their best to determine, and then manage, expectations as early as possible, and throughout the process. “Ask what they’re expectations are in a comfortable and calm environment with plenty of time to explore them with an open mind and knowing what the birthplace is likely to support,” says Dr Foureur. Midwives should attempt to assess whether expectations are being met as the birthing experience unfolds, and manage unmet expectations through open, honest, respectful communication about what is happening and providing choices about the steps to be taken wherever possible. “Post birth conversations to ‘de-brief’ and explore why events occurred as they did is the only process available that may help women through the process.”
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women, as mounting evidence suggests that unmet expectations during birth can have a detrimental impact on the mental health of new mums. “Women at one end of the spectrum may develop post-traumatic stress disorder if their expectations for kind and respectful care are not met, particularly if their birth results in injury to themselves or their baby,” says Dr Foureur. “But some women who appeared to have had a straightforward birth may still experience this as traumatic because it did not meet their expectations. “For women who see birth as a quiet, calm, welcoming of their baby into the world through a gentle and seemingly pain free waterbirth – to arrive at a hospital that says well there is only one bath and someone else is using it or there are no midwives on duty at the moment who are prepared to support you to have a waterbirth – this can be shattering news and they also may feel extremely unsupported and traumatised. “There is at least one study that shows that women’s expectations are set during pregnancy - so we need opportunity to find out what their expectations are.” Midwives have a huge role to play in managing and influencing the expectations of pregnant women, however to do so effectively, it’s important they have an opportunity to talk with women before the birth experience, But according to Dr Foureur, to what extent women’s expectations are met, and how well unmet expectations are managed, depends on the model of care the woman is receiving. “Women in continuity of midwifery care models where they have an opportunity to get to know the midwife during pregnancy, and she is the person with them throughout labour, report having their expectations well met and are satisfied with the experience,” says Dr Foureur.
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www.dcconferences.com.au/nnec2018 Page 28 | HealthTimes.com.au
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AMH Children’s Dosing Companion 2017 Release Available Now
The AMH Children’s Dosing Companion is Australia’s national independent dosing guide for prescribing and administering medicines to children from birth to 18 years with evidence-based, peer-reviewed and up-to-date information.The July 2017 release extends the number of monographs included to almost 400 drugs. Available now in print or online. Go to www.amh.net.au
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