Exploring midwifery care for women with pre-existing conditions - SHSC0005

Across the world midwives are increasingly supporting women with a wide range of pre-existing conditions during pregnancy and childbirth. Improved management of common physical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and asthma, the increasing number of women deferring childbearing until later in life and the consequences of lifestyle behaviours, for example an obesogenic diet, sedentary behaviour and increasing exposure to alcohol and drugs contribute to this increase. Midwives are also providing care for women with less common physical health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, and mental health conditions (eg bi-polar disorders and Aspergers). Increasing globalisation and social mobility is also presenting midwives with, for example, women fleeing conflict who may have physical injuries, traumatic stress disorders and/or poorly managed pre-existing conditions. While there is some recognition of the increase in obesity, diabetes and cardiac disease there is limited data on how these and other conditions might affect the provision of midwifery care and women’s experiences of their childbearing journey.

The successful candidate will aim to scope the nature and magnitude of the problem, identify midwives’ roles, education and sources of information and support for caring for women with pre-existing conditions and also explore how pre-existing conditions and their management impact on women’s experience of her pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.

A range of approaches could be considered and the final decision will be informed by the published evidence and discussions with supervisors. There is potential to use a case study approach to allow comparison between different countries, sites and practice contexts.

Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in midwifery or a related health subject with a good fundamental knowledge of maternity care or maternal and child health and some knowledge of pre-existing conditions.

English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental health care delivery in maternal and child health/public health or health care management
• Competent in literature searching, critical appraisal and report writing and ability to work autonomously and within a team
• Knowledge of research methods and maternal health or long term conditions
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:
Experienced midwife and/or have worked in a maternity care setting
Have supported or cared for people with long term/pre-existing conditions.
Experience of doing research in a health care setting or evaluating health care practices.
Experience of presenting at conferences

When applying for this position please quote project code SHSC0005