AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to:

• provide students with foundational knowledge of national legislation outlining the scope of practice, autonomy, and professional responsibilities inherent to the midwifery profession;

• offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Italian legislation related to the Maternal and Child Health Department, with specific reference to the role and functions of midwives;

• introduce key issues concerning medico-legal implications and the civil and criminal liability associated with professional practice;

• develop students' ability to operate within their defined scope of practice, attributing appropriate legal and research significance to their clinical documentation;

• enhance students’ capacity to interpret and apply the national epidemiological value of the CedAP (Certificate of Assistance at Birth), along with competences in documentation management.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative evolution of the midwifery profession within the healthcare system

• Understand the structure and purpose of the Maternal and Child Health Department and the Maternal and Child Objective Project (POMI)

• Recognize the autonomy and professional responsibility of the midwife

• Apply the legal framework governing midwifery practice

• Critically evaluate legal and liability aspects through constructive discussion of proposed clinical and obstetric case studies

• Distinguish the competencies of the midwifery profession by analyzing current regulations, from the Professional Profile (1994) to Legislative Decree 206/2007 and its amendment (Legislative Decree 15/2016)

• Compare autonomy, collaboration, and responsibility within professional practice

• Classify the legal and research value of midwifery documentation as tools for clinical and scientific purposes

• Provide a detailed description of the operational areas within the midwife’s scope of practice, including legislative aspects and organizational models

• Explain the national epidemiological significance of the Certificate of Assistance at Birth (CedAP) and analyze data derived from its information flow

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures during which theoretical content will be presented by the instructor. Students will be encouraged to engage in open and constructive discussions on topics related to midwifery competencies, professional autonomy, and responsibility.

A video projector and computer will be used for PowerPoint presentations.

Students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs are advised to contact the instructor and the School’s disability coordinator at the beginning of the course to arrange any necessary teaching accommodations. These accommodations will be designed to respect the course objectives while addressing individual learning needs.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• History of the Midwifery Discipline and Professional Organization

• Status, Competencies, and Responsibilities of the Midwife

• The Midwife's Code of Ethics

• The Educational Pathway of the Midwife: From Past to Present

• Healthcare Law and Key Regulations Relevant to Midwifery

• Care Models in Midwifery Practice

• The Evolution of Legislation in the Field of Health Professions

• Midwifery Competencies in the Birth Pathway, with Specific Reference to the BRO (Birth Responsibility Organization)

• Independent Midwifery Practice

The course also contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goal of the UN 2030 Agenda: to provide quality, equitable, and inclusive education, and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

le competenze infermieristiche e ostetriche. metodi e strumenti per costruirle e comunicarle.

M. Camera, M.R. Mascolo –, liberiauniversitaria.it edizioni, Webster srl, 12/2012

La disciplina ostetrica. Teoria, pratica e organizzazione della professione. M. Guana. 9/2011, McGraw Hill

Guida all’esercizio della professione di ostetrica. Edizioni Medico Scientifiche 2008

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See the second semester calendar starting in March.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test with multiple-choice questions covering the entire syllabus.

The student must correctly answer at least 75% of the questions.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test assesses the acquisition of knowledge regarding the reforms of the midwifery profession over the past twenty years, both in terms of regulatory and educational aspects. In particular, it covers the regulatory recognition of the Midwife, starting with the Professional Profile in 1994 and concluding with Legislative Decree 206/2007 and its amendments by Legislative Decree 15/2016.

The evaluation focuses on the learning of:

• Current regulations governing the practice of midwifery

• The concepts of civil, criminal, administrative, and deontological responsibility

• The differences in acting independently, in collaboration, and with responsibility

• The value of midwifery documentation as tools for clinical practice and research

• The operational areas of midwifery competencies, legislative aspects, and organizational models of the Maternal and Child Health Department (DMI) and the Maternal and Child Objective Project (POMI)

• The national epidemiological value of the Certificate of Assistance at Birth (CedAP) and the ability to analyze data revealed by the information flow