ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0136-4602
Current Organisation
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.15917
Abstract: To establish midwives' perceptions of the value of workshops designed to empower their decision-making and leadership skills using validated midwifery clinical reasoning frameworks and appreciative inquiry methods. The medical lens of childbirth can disempower women and midwives. Midwives often face challenges navigating their role as autonomous practitioners and advocates for shared decision-making, particularly when there is tension between women's wishes, governance frameworks and organisational requirements. This can lead to 'Midwifery Abdication' and/or the midwifery voice being silenced. Appreciative inquiry, involving qualitative analysis of 31 midwives' personal reflections during 'Empowering Midwives' Decision-Making' workshops. Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR criteria) guided the preparation of this manuscript. Decision-making tools and 'appreciative' strategies can strengthen leadership attributes, enhance feelings of empowerment and deepen understanding. Reflecting on 'Midwifery Abdication' was perceived as confronting. Workshop activities offered understanding the reasons why 'Midwifery Abdication' may or may not occur. One overarching, key theme was identified: 'Finding my midwifery voice'. This theme encompassed three sub-themes: 'I am not alone', 'Using leadership to promote collaboration to effect change' and 'An onward journey of enlightenment and empowerment'. Midwives need to find their voice and develop skills in both clinical reasoning and transformative reflection. Workshops, using Appreciative Inquiry approaches, that focused on reflection, clinical decision-making and 'Midwifery Abdication', facilitate this and may create feelings of reunification in midwives and rejuvenate inherent passion for the profession. Sharing feelings around providing care in the often-contested space that is advocating for women using midwifery philosophy may provide relief from moral distress and a sense of shared identity desperately sought after by midwives struggling to navigate the increasingly complex terrain of maternity care. Findings encourage the need for further discussions around strengthening midwifery leadership which may be achievable using Appreciative Inquiry frameworks and approaches.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13458
Abstract: This article presents a discussion highlighting the relevance and strengths of using narrative inquiry to explore experiences of social networking site (SNS) use by adolescent mothers. Narrative inquiry as a method reveals truths about holistic human experience. Knowledge gleaned from personal narratives informs nursing knowledge and clinical practice. This approach gives voice to adolescent mothers in relation to their experiences with SNS as a means of providing social support. Discussion paper. This paper draws and reflects on the author's experiences using narrative inquiry and is supported by literature and theory. The following databases were searched: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Health Collection (Informit). Key terms and Boolean search operators were used to broaden the search criteria. Search terms included: adolescent mother, teenage mother, "social networking sites", online, social media, Facebook, social support, social capital and information. Dates for the search were limited to January 1995-June 2017. Narrative research inherently values the in idual "story" of experience. This approach facilitates rapport building and methodological flexibility with an often difficult to engage s le group, adolescents. Narrative inquiry reveals a deep level of insight into social networking site use by adolescent mothers. The flexibility afforded by use of a narrative approach allows for fluidity and reflexivity in the research process.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2022.105589
Abstract: Emancipation and self-determination are critical elements of midwifery care and therefore should be explicit in midwifery education. If not, the woman-centred midwife with her trust in women and birth may become a thing of the past, and the patriarchal, technocratic medical model of maternity care, with its trust in machines and misguided interventions will continue to dominate childbearing practices. The optimal time for exposure to feminist principles within the midwifery educational journey, however, is unknown, despite recognition that teaching feminist theory and related concepts positively impacts the way students value women-centredness in midwifery practice. To understand midwifery student's perspectives of assimilating feminist theory and midwifery philosophy. A qualitative approach using reflective journals was used to explore student midwives understanding of midwifery as a feminist profession. One regional Australian University that teaches midwifery at two c uses, one of which straddles a state border. First session, first-year midwifery students undertaking a unit of study focusing on "what is midwifery" and how at its core, midwifery is a feminist emancipatory political discipline. Data from weekly reflective journals were analysed to produce themes. Three themes were identified 'Midwifery: Past and Present', 'What is this 'F' word? - feminism revisited', and 'Midwifery-feminism dyads'. These themes demonstrated transformative learning had occurred as participants appeared to value understanding feminism as the essence of midwifery philosophy early in their midwifery studies. Students embarking on their journey appear to value assimilation of feminist theory as a core tenet of midwifery philosophy. Feminist principles, particularly the protection of women's rights to informed choice, trusted relationships, dignity, and control throughout their childbearing journey appear to illustrate the emancipatory nature, and importance of, truly 'woman-centred, partnership-based midwifery care'. Whilst the findings of this study relate to midwifery students, the findings point to a need to explore ways to strengthen midwives' assimilation with feminist theory, and their ability to promote feminism and provide woman-centred, partnership-based approaches.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/BIRT.12665
Abstract: Early warning systems (EWS) are used across health care settings as a tool for the early identification of clinical deterioration and to determine the need to escalate care. Early detection of clinical deterioration and appropriate escalation of care in maternity settings is critical to the safety of pregnant women and infants however, underutilization of EWS tools and reluctance to escalate care have been consistently reported. Little is known about midwives' use of EWS in the Australian context. Using a cross‐sectional approach, we elicited the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of a purposive s le of Australian midwives ( n = 87) with respect to the Maternal Early Warning Trigger Tool (MEWT). Participants answered a 25‐question Likert scale survey and one open‐ended question. Qualitative answers were analyzed using consensus coding. Midwives reported positive attitudes toward the MEWT, describing it as a valuable tool for identifying clinical deterioration, especially when used as an adjunct to clinical judgment. However, midwives also identified training gaps 25% had received no training, and only half of those who had received training felt it was effective. In addition, professional tension can create a significant barrier to the effective use of the MEWT. Midwives also reported feeling influenced by their peers in their decision‐making with respect to use of the MEWT and being afraid they would be chastised for escalating care unnecessarily. Although the MEWT is valued by Australian midwives as a useful tool, barriers exist to its effective use. These include a lack of adequate, ongoing training and professional tension. Improving interdisciplinary collaboration could enhance the use of this tool for the safety of birthing women and their infants.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2018.03.022
Abstract: to explore ways in which midwives can enhance the support provided by social networking sites for adolescent mothers. a narrative approach was employed to guide the research design and processes. Approval was obtained from Edith Cowan University human ethics department. focus groups and interviews were undertaken with adolescent mothers and midwives in Western Australia. the four key themes identified across both groups were validation by midwives, importance of ownership, enhanced community connections and the importance of guideline development. findings suggest both mothers and midwives consider there are a variety of ways in which healthcare professionals could enhance the support afforded to adolescent mothers by their use of SNS. Midwives were more likely to consider the need for guideline development, but the underlying value of accessible, professionally mediated online support and information was consistent across the two groups. Midwives would benefit from acknowledging the role played by SNS in providing support to adolescent mothers and by considering ways in which this technology can be used to lend further support to this group of mothers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2019.104263
Abstract: The past two decades has seen significant change in nursing and midwifery education in Australia. Although, regulatory documents explicate expectations of teaching, and supervising in the context of being a nurse or midwife, the move from hospital-based to higher education learning nessitated a change in how students receive their education and who provides it. The quality of teaching by nurse or midwife academics is subject to the academic's ability to transition from a clinical educator to academic. To explore the experiences of nurse and midwife academics teaching in the academic environment. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) was used to explore the experiences of academics teaching final year nursing and midwifery students. Two regional universities in Australia. Seven nursing and midwifery academics teaching a unit of study focusing on mentorship, leadership and teaching. Narrative data from interviews conducted using AI were collected, transcribed and analysed to produce themes. Three key themes were identified 'Feeling valued', 'Feeling safe' and 'Having connections'. These themes and related subthemes impacted teaching experiences and role transition from experienced clinician to academic. Nursing and midwifery academics would benefit from organisational support in their role transition from clinician to academic. Further research is crucial regarding initiatives that can support academics to feel safe, valued and connected when teaching the next generation of nurses and midwives.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEDT.2022.105497
Abstract: The aim of this review was to identify strategies that facilitate newly qualified midwives to transition successfully from midwifery student to confident, competent practitioner. Integrative literature review. The following databases were accessed: CINAHL complete, Medline complete, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), Scopus and Google Scholar. A systematic search of key terms across all data sources for the period January 1990 to September 2021 identified 316 papers whose titles/abstracts were screened against our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thirty-six full texts were screened for eligibility and three papers were identified through ancestral searching. Ten papers were included in our final review. Mentorship or preceptorship for newly qualified midwives by experienced midwives appears to enhance experiences, either as a standalone strategy, or component of structured programs of transition support. Supernumerary time, designated study days and planned rotations are also valued, particularly when rotating through clinical areas. Smaller teams providing continuity of midwifery care, or organisations that fund mentorship programs appear more able to facilitate support. Mechanisms of online support and learning may also enhance early transition but similarly, require organisational investment to aid success. Whilst most programs were described as helpful none of the studies used validated measures to assess this. Whilst elements of tailored support programs and mentoring receptorship from experienced colleagues appear to offer valuable support to transitioning practitioners, it is important to note that the structure of maternity care appears fundamental to the success of many of these strategies. Consequently, maternity care reform which focuses on the adoption of sustainable models of midwifery continuity, alongside urgent investment in midwives, are likely the most promising, over-arching strategies required to support student to midwife transition.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IJN.12895
Abstract: This paper aims to discuss social networking sites as potentially salutogenic, culturally relevant extensions to maternity care provision for adolescent mothers. Studies report that online networking may enhance social capital, a concept linked to enhanced well‐being, particularly for marginalized in iduals. Improving outcomes for adolescent mothers is an ongoing global strategy thus, this paper has relevance for all professionals involved in their care. This is a discussion paper. This paper draws on the authors' research and is supported by literature and theory. Key terms and Boolean operators were used to identifiy English‐language papers published in January 1995 to January 2019 in nine databases and Google Scholar databases. Despite limited evidence specific to adolescent mothers, contextual studies suggest that social networking sites may enhance well‐being. Nurses and midwives need to understand adolescent mothers' use of online networks to aid development of innovative, health‐enhancing care strategies using adolescent‐familiar modalities. This paper highlights the need for further research regarding the value of professional engagement in online networks to enhance an adolescent's transition to motherhood.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2017.03.002
Abstract: to critically appraise the available literature and summarise the evidence relating to adolescent mothers' use of social networking sites in terms of any social support and social capital they may provide and to identify areas for future exploration. social networking sites have been demonstrated to provide social support to marginalised in iduals and provide psycho-social benefits to members of such groups. Adolescent mothers are at risk of social marginalisation anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms and poorer health and educational outcomes for their children. Social support has been shown to benefit adolescent mothers thus online mechanisms require consideration. a review of original research articles METHOD: key terms and Boolean operators identified research reports across a 20-year timeframe pertaining to the area of enquiry in: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Health Collection (Informit) and Google Scholar databases. Eight original research articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. studies demonstrate that adolescent mothers actively search for health information using the Internet and social networking sites, and that social support and social capital can be attributed to their use of specifically created online groups from within targeted health interventions. Use of a message board forum for pregnant and parenting adolescents also demonstrates elements of social support. There are no studies to date pertaining to adolescent mothers' use of globally accessible social networking sites in terms of social support provision and related outcomes. further investigation is warranted to explore the potential benefits of adolescent mothers' use of globally accessible social networking sites in terms of any social support provision and social capital they may provide.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2015.05.002
Abstract: to explore the use of social networking sites (SNS) by adolescent mothers in Western Australia (WA) in relation to social support and the building of social capital. a constructionist narrative inquiry approach was employed to guide the research design and processes. Approval was gained from the university human ethics department. S ling was purposeful and data were collected using in-depth interviews with seven adolescent mothers in WA. interviews were undertaken within the homes of adolescent mothers across WA. from within three fundamental domains of social support tangible, emotional and informational support, provided by SNS use, five key themes were identified from the narratives. 'Social connectedness' was identified as a form of tangible support, sometimes termed 'practical' or 'instrumental' support. This theme incorporates connectedness with family, friends, and peers and across new and existing social groups. Three themes were identified that relate to emotional support 'increased parenting confidence' 'reduced parental stress' and 'enhanced self-disclosure' afforded by use of SNS. 'Access to information' was identified in terms of informational support, with participants often highlighting SNS use as their primary portal for information and advice. the findings of this study suggest that SNS use affords adolescent mothers in WA access to tangible, informational and emotional support and thus is a valuable source of social capital for these mothers. This study provides a platform for further exploration into this phenomenon, and possible implications include the potential for midwives and health care professionals to promote the benefits of SNS use with, and for, this group of mothers, or to incorporate SNS use into modern health care practices to further develop the potential for improved social capital related outcomes for them.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2018.11.018
Abstract: Little is known regarding experiences of childbearing women participating in a Continuity of Care Experience. Continuity of Care immersion is considered a vital component of undergraduate education in Australia. A student midwife follows a woman's childbearing journey regardless of the woman's in idual needs or chosen model of care. What do women value in their student-woman continuity experience, and does this vary with model of care provision? Qualitative analysis was conducted on open-text box responses from 946 mothers enrolled in one regional university Continuity of Care program between 2014-2018. This qualitative descriptive study identified three overarching themes: 'Known student midwife' 'Knowledge' and, 'Professionalism'. The 'Known Student Midwife' was strongly associated with provision of support and advocacy for the woman and her partner/family. Women's responses were overwhelmingly positive, however, when some partnerships terminated, a negative impact was reported. Themes were often interlinked, suggesting when women valued one key attribute the others were somewhat related. Although rare, from some responses it was unclear if students had over-stepped professional boundaries, prompting the need for ongoing education. This study provides compelling evidence for the perceived value of the Continuity of Care Experience in Australian midwifery curricula, as well as possible areas of concern regarding the nature of professional behaviour. Continuity of Care immersion plays a significant role in Australian midwifery education programs and is predominantly well received by childbearing women. Development of reflexive practice skills in undergraduate curricula may further enhance this experience for women.
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1891/IJCBIRTH-D-20-00038
Abstract: This review builds upon previous work exploring the concept of Midwifery Abdication, within the national midwifery literature. This article focuses on Australian legal literature, court/tribunal decisions and coronial or coroner's court findings. To explore Midwifery Abdication and whether it is evident within Australian caselaw. Australian Legal literature, coronial findings, and court/tribunal decisions reported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, during 2005–2020. 1,246 cases were located using the presented search terms. Use of exclusion criteria resulted in the inclusion of 41 cases. While there are no validated tools to appraise caselaw, this review followed a robust protocol that guides the preparation and reporting of systematic reviews. Midwifery Abdication was identified using previously validated, interrelated constructs. Midwifery Abdication occurred in 41 cases that included one or more previously identified constructs. In line with the associated integrative review, a midwife's professional identity, environmental hierarchy and associated culture of social obedience are all shown to act as influencing factors in Midwifery Abdication. Rigorous and reproducible processes were used however, limited search functionality of some data sources may have resulted in inadvertent omission of cases. While this review relates to case law in one high-income country it provides a platform for further international research. Acknowledging Midwifery Abdication in Australian caselaw may serve to strengthen the midwifery voice and encourage an enhanced educational and reflective focus on midwifery philosophy and decision-making. Midwifery education must empower midwives to embrace their autonomous status while enhancing their abilities to optimize informed decision-making within a woman-centered midwifery philosophy.
No related grants have been discovered for Samantha Nolan.