Midwives and Nurses in Acute Early Pregnancy Care in Australia
Roles and scope of practice
A scoping review investigated and described what is reported on the role and scope of practice of midwives and registered nurses providing care for women with pregnancy complications prior to 20 weeks’ gestation in acute clinical settings in Australia.
The scoping review, Midwives’ and registered nurses’ role and scope of practice in acute early pregnancy care services, identifies various factors influencing their practice, including organisational structures, time constraints, qualifications, and the availability of multidisciplinary support. Midwives are trained to manage both physical and psychological needs of women, while RNs often handle initial assessments in emergency departments (EDs), focusing on urgent physical symptoms.
The review highlights that many women presenting for care are stable but may require emotional support due to anxiety about potential pregnancy loss. Despite recognising the importance of psychosocial care, healthcare professionals may overlook these emotional needs, especially in fast-paced ED settings. The findings suggest that midwives and RNs are underutilised in providing comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional aspects.
The scoping review finds that there is a lack of clarity regarding midwifery roles in acute care and calls for more research to define their scope of practice. It also emphasises the need for educational opportunities in psychosocial support for midwives and RNs to improve care for women facing early pregnancy complications.
The scoping review is published in JBI Evidence Synthesis.
Freeman, Nicole; Warland, Jane; Cheney, Kate; Bradfield, Zoe
JBI Evidence Synthesis 22(10):p 2090-2129, October 2024. | DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00483