What will I learn on this module?
This module will introduce continuity of care as a fundamental part of the Future Midwife Standards (NMC, 2019) and a key concept in your development as a professional midwife. The module will build on your learning about universal care in semester one and engage you thinking about how midwives can promote and provide continuity of care. (SPM 2.5). Midwifery philosophy will be explored as you are encouraged to reflect upon your personal and developing professional values. The value of listening to women and women’s experiences (SPM 1.10) as evidence for midwifery practice, especially as evidence of the needs of those in vulnerable groups, will be discussed.
Holism as an approach to health and health care provision will be explored through considering primary health care and assessment of care needs for women, very young children (SPM 3.13.4, SPM 3.22) and families. Adolescent health and wellbeing (SPM 3.16.1) as transition from child to adult will be explored in the context of young mothers and fathers. Holistic approaches to care (SPM 2.7) will include topics such as spirituality and cultural awareness. Health promotion and parenting education (SPM 3.16.2) will also be introduced and applied to midwifery practice.
You will learn about the organisation of care within the maternity services, the history of the NHS (SPM 2.1) and current health and public health policy including Better Births and its foundation of personalised care through partnership working (SPM1.13). Differing models and approaches to midwifery practice (SPM 2.2) will be introduced and will be linked to exploration of care planning, place of birth and alternatives to NHS service provision. Central to this theme is the evidence base for continuity of care and the Quality Framework for Maternal and Neonatal Care (SPM 3.25).
You will be introduced to multi professional and multiagency working and explore the relationships and communication needed to provide seamless integration of health and social care (SPM 2.4). Topics will include team working, understanding others’ roles and the importance of professional communication You will have opportunities to explore how you demonstrate value and respect for each other through peer review developing skills in building relationships which promote wellbeing and develop capability.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and directed study. Activities will be blended to create a mix of face to face and online activities supported by the University’s Electronic Learning Platform. Seminars will be smaller group sessions designed to facilitate collaborative team learning; these develop your inquiry and communication skills. Directed learning will signpost further reading and learning activities.
A fundamental aspect of the module is learning with your midwifery peers and from other professional groups. Women’s voices and experiences will also be integral to the module, for example through the involvement of maternity service user groups such as local Maternity Voices Partnerships. These learning and feedback opportunities will enable you to reflect on the skills and attributes required to engage women, fathers/partners and family members and build positive relationships. Inter professional learning opportunities with other health and social care students will develop your communication and team working skills as well as an understanding of the roles of others.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The academic staff involved in delivering this module will provide guidance and academic direction to ensure that you are able to confidently engage with the module content. Learning materials, including directed and e-learning will be made available on the electronic learning platform (eLP). Seminars will form an opportunity for lecturer and peer support and feedback throughout the module. Formative feedback will be available to enable you to review your learning in a safe and supportive environment, and a group tutorial will further support preparation for the module assessment. In addition, the module will be supported by University library staff and resources, including study skills support packages.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1) Identify the different the models, theories and policy which underpin the provision of maternity services and apply these to midwifery practice
2) Discuss the concept of health for all childbearing women and their families and the implications and opportunities for midwives when providing holistic care.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3) Identify the professional attributes required to provide care which recognises, and is sensitive to, the diversity of women’s circumstances and needs.
4) Demonstrate the skills required to effectively present the evidence underpinning continuity of care and the impact on women and families.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5) Reflect on the professional practice required to establish working relationships with women, their families and other professionals demonstrating respect for self, peers and women.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment
Formative assessment and feedback will be provided by academic staff and peers throughout the module in relation to the group activities you will engage in.
Summative Assessment
Poster Presentation (10 minutes) with annotated bibliography (100%)
MLO 1,2,3,4,5
Feedback will be provided via the virtual learning platform and indicate strengths and areas to develop in line with the programme assessment criteria and grade bands.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This exciting first year module is focused on continuity of care for women and families. This learning will cement your introduction to the Future Midwife Standards and the Midwifery Programme at Northumbria University. You will learn about current health policy and approaches to the provision of maternity care with a focus on optimising health and providing continuity of care. Developing relationships with women, and their families as well as other professionals is also a key part of the module, and you will have the opportunity to learn from other health and social care professionals. The module will be assessed through a poster presentation and an annotated bibliography which will demonstrate your understanding of continuity of care and the supporting evidence base.
Course info
UCAS Code B725
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time (45 weeks per year)
Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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