A necessary practice parameter: nursing and midwifery board of Australia midwife standards for practice

Introduction: The NMBA Development of Midwife standards for practice project has reviewed the National competency standards for the midwife (Nursing and Midwifery Board Australia, 2006) to inform the drafting of Midwife standards for practice. Midwife standards for practice set out the expectations of the midwife’s practice and inform midwifery education accreditation standards, the regulation of midwives and determination of the midwife’s capability for practice. The Standards guide consumers, employers and other stakeholders on what to reasonably expect from a midwife regardless of the area of practice or the years of experience. Aim: Present the research and consultation outcomes that have informed the development of the current draft Midwife standards for practice. Methods: The methods in this three phase study include literature and evidence reviews, interviews, consultations, surveys and observations of midwives practice. Unike clinical guidelines the knowledge to inform standards for practice is not discrete and bounded by specific sets of information with technical solutions. The current relevant evidence has been integrated with the knowledge, experiences and views of midwives across Australia who practice in various jurisdictions, sectors and models of care as well as in clinical and non-clinical roles as well as consumers and individuals who represent professional, government and regulatory authorities. Results: Midwifery practice in this project is apparent as the promotion of health and wellbeing in relation to childbearing, with inherent responsibilities and accountabilities for safety and quality that occurs in the context of respectful collaborative relationships. The current draft Standards acknowledge the involvement of others while clearly positioning midwifery practice as focused on the needs of the woman. Conclusion and implications: The final project phase will test these draft standards through a second round of observations of midwives practicing in clinical and non-clinical settings to ensure that the standards reflect current (not aspirational) evidence-based midwifery practice, are up-to-date, meet legislative requirements and align with the other NMBA standards for practice