Education for midwives in addressing smoking in pregnancy

Background

Smoking is the biggest single threat to a safe start to life. It undermines the practice of a midwife, the health of the pregnant woman and the development and survival of her child. One in three pregnancies are effected in New Zealand. It can be changed.

About this programme

Partners in Change has the management of change as its heart. Its purpose is to prepare midwives to understand smoking and the process of change and to recognise and work with its three phases of resistance, ambivalence and readiness. A case study approach to courses and workshops is envisaged to personalise the training and keep it grounded in reality.

Learning expectations

By the end of the programme you can expect to be

• More knowledgeable about smoking in pregnancy
• More confident about discussing smoking
• More understanding of the struggle of change
• More competent in your assessment of needs
• More purposeful in your support
• More extensive in the options your offer
• More motivational in your strategies
• More effective in your referral to programmes
• More able to improve protection in pregnancy

Programme Overview

• One day courses
  To be delivered by trained facilitators, these will develop educational and motivational skills for a partnership approach to influencing change, especially to smoking.
• Two-hour workshops
  These will be delivered by a team of midwives, called Link Midwives who have been specifically prepared for the role. They are for people, especially in smaller centres, who are unable to attend a one-day course.
• Case study report
  One-day course participants are expected to complete a guided case study report, within 4 weeks of attending a course, so as to consolidate learning and integrate it into day to day practice. This is a certification requirement.

Certification

Partners in Change courses are certified continuing midwifery education and acknowledged by the NZ College of Midwives.

Financial assistance to attend

Midwives with financial barriers to attending a one day course due to independent practice, high needs case loads or other special circumstances may claim up to $200 (excl gst). To receive this help a midwife must meet the criteria, attend a full workshop and submit a case study report within 4 weeks. Payment is made on receipt of course assessment.