This unit focuses on pharmacology and diagnostics within the midwifery scope of practice. The student will focus on pharmacological concepts and pharmacokinetic considerations in general and specific to pregnancy and breastfeeding. The unit also addresses a range of therapeutic considerations impacting on drug action. The student will examine a variety of diagnostic testing and screening tools to understand implications for childbearing women and midwifery practice.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Analyse and apply the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to pharmacology and pathophysiology in pharmacotherapy that are relevant to the perinatal period;
2. Integrate the knowledge of evidence and safety frameworks including legal and ethical issues to promote quality and safety in medication administration in the context of midwifery care;
3. Interpret diagnostic testing and screening results and evaluate the implications for midwifery practice; and
4. Articulate an adaptable and ethical collaborative interprofessional working and learning environment to achieve holistic woman-centred care.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

11335 Growing a Family AND
11334 The Work of Birth or 11945 Knowing Birth Practices AND
10298 Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology or 6529 Systemic Anatomy and Physiology

Corequisites

Enrolment in HLB001 Bachelor of Midwifery.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.