This book focuses on the unique characteristics of the profession of midwifery in the United States, discussing both current issues and future directions. The framework for the book is based upon the Institute of Medicine's competencies for health professions education -- patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics -- which are identified as essential aspects of patient safety and quality care.

Midwives are accountable to the public, patients, their employers and the profession. It is essential that student midwives have a clear understanding of the legal and professional dilemmas they face in the course of their career and how to address those dilemmas in order to practise effectively. This book is an essential resource for student midwives developing their knowledge and understanding of the requirements for safe practice. It provides a clear introduction to the subject, with activities and case studies throughout to illustrate key principles and apply the law in context.

A multi-disciplinary introduction to the ethical dilemmas which commonly face midwives in clinical practice. A wide range of problems is explored by experienced practitioners and philosophers and clear guidance is offered on how different clinical and legal issues might be approached.

Why ethics for midwives? -- Existing ethical codes, guidelines, and value statements -- Privacy and confidentiality -- Informed consent/choice -- Who is the client? -- Multiple relationships -- Scope of practice and competence -- Working with other professionals -- Client non-compliance and termination of care -- Diversity, equity, and justice -- Addressing ethical concerns -- Ethical thinking, caring, and decision-making.

Legal and ethical competence is a cornerstone of professional midwifery practice and an essential part of midwifery training. Law and Ethics for Midwifery is a unique and practical resource for student midwives. Written by an experienced midwifery lecturer, this text draws on a wide variety of real life case studies and focuses particularly on the core areas of accountability, autonomy and advocacy. Opening with two chapters providing overviews respectively of ethical theories and legislation, the book is then arranged thematically. These chapters have a common structure which includes case studies, relevant legislation, reflective activities and a summary, and they run across areas of concern from negligence through safeguarding to record-keeping. Grounded in midwifery practice, the text enables student midwives to consider and prepare for ethical and legal dilemmas they may face as midwives in clinical practice.

This book focuses on the unique characteristics of the profession of midwifery in the United States, discussing both current issues and future directions. The framework for the book is based upon the Institute of Medicine's competencies for health professions education -- patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics -- which are identified as essential aspects of patient safety and quality care.

Myles Professional Studies for Midwifery Education and Practice Concepts and Challenges explores the non-clinical areas of the midwifery curriculum (e.g. law, ethics, leadership, employer-led supervision and professional development) in a helpful, user-friendly format brought to readers by a team of experts under the guidance of Jayne Marshall, editor of Myles Textbook for Midwives. The volume will be suitable for all student midwives, whether undertaking pre-registration education programmes or post-graduate studies, as well as practising midwives preparing for revalidation and/or undertaking CPD. Whilst prepared predominantly by contributors from the UK, Myles Professional Studies for Midwifery Education and Practice Concepts and Challenges will be suitable for an international readership. Specialist contributors ensure accuracy and currency of key information Underlying theory supported by a rich array of helpful learning features such as ‘real-life’ case studies and reflective activities Includes the latest initiatives such as employer-led supervision and the principles of coaching Includes a section on the ICM and EU standards of education and international regulation covering the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Denmark and Norway Explores the global context of the midwife's scope of practice with specific examples from the UK, Canada and the USA Includes discussion of CPD and overseas careers opportunities Annotated reading lists and significant websites provide additional sources of information