ORCID Profile
0000-0003-0142-6962
Current Organisation
University of Technology Sydney
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2007.09.002
Abstract: to explore the retention and attrition of pre-registration midwifery students. an exploratory, comparative design that enabled the comparison of a 3-year and a 78-week midwifery programme. The methodology was designed into two main phases using both quantitative and qualitative methodology. a university in the South West of England. 36 questionnaires were sent to students who had left the programmes during 2001-2003. A purposive s le of 16 student midwives formed two separate focus groups. The participants were selected from current 3-year and 78-week midwifery programmes. midwifery attracts highly motivated students. In order for this motivation to continue through an emotional and demanding programme of study, their motivation needs to be nurtured and retained. The findings of this study clearly illustrate that in only a few cases can one over-riding reason be given for students withdrawing from midwifery programmes. there is often a complexity of 'personal reasons' and an accumulation of clinical and theoretical demands as to why students leave. Although there were realistic expectations of the programmes, the lived experiences of these expectations created anxiety and tension. It is therefore imperative that clinicians and academics work in harmony to plan and offer a programme of adequate mentorship and support for student midwives. This should also acknowledge the uniqueness of the different programmes that lead to qualification as a midwife.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-03-2013
DOI: 10.1111/HEX.12060
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2021
Publisher: Nepal Health Research Council
Date: 23-04-2021
DOI: 10.33314/JNHRC.V19I1.2508
Abstract: Background: Pregnancy has been identified as a vulnerable period for both the initiation and escalation in severity of domestic and family violence. There is a significant dearth of scholarly literature documenting the relationship of domestic and family violence with the mental health and quality of life among pregnant women of Nepal.Methods: Baseline data of 140 women enrolled in a trial of a psychosocial intervention for abused pregnant women were analysed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using standardised scales. Prevalence of domestic and family violence and mental health conditions were estimated and inferential statistics were used to assess the association of domestic and family violence with mental health, quality of life, social support, and use of safety behaviours.Results: The lifetime prevalence of domestic and family violence was found to be 27.7% (n = 173), followed by 17.1% of women (n = 107) fearing someone in their family. Domestic and family violence in the last 12 months was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.005), quality of life (p 0.05), and perceived social support (p = 0.001). Use of safety behaviours (p = 0.037) was significantly low among women reporting domestic and family violence in the past year as well as during the current pregnancy (p = 0.017).Conclusions: There exists a high psychological morbidity among pregnant women exposed to domestic and family violence. The findings support the need of implementing a screening and support intervention for abused women seeking antenatal services. Keywords: Association domestic violence mental health observational study prevalence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2005.05.002
Abstract: a feasibility study to evaluate the effect of an educational programme on midwives' knowledge, skills, attitudes and implementation of routine antenatal enquiry for domestic violence. pre-, post- and follow-up survey. an acute Trust within the South West of England. 79 of the 82 community midwives (96%) working in the Trust participated in the training programme, with 70 (85%) participating at all three stages of the research. participating community midwives completed a 38-item questionnaire at three points during the study: before the educational programme to provide base-line data, post-test immediately after the programme, and at 6 months follow-up. The questionnaire was ided into the following categories: views of professional education, knowledge of domestic violence, attitudes to domestic violence, efficacy beliefs and issues of practice development. The aim of the study was to identify any differences between pre- and post-implementation test data in relation to all the areas identified. Repeated multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine changes between pre-, post- and follow-up measures of knowledge, attitudes and efficacy. Hierarchical regression was used to identify potential influences on post-training disclosure rates using pre-, post- and follow-up measures as predictors. the programme was positively received by participants, particularly in relation to an increased awareness and confidence in dealing with domestic violence. It was also associated with improvements in knowledge, attitudes and efficacy at post-test. These changes declined but remained above pre-test levels at 6 months follow-up. Levels of current and previous experiences of abuse obtained by midwives were predicted by past experience of dealing with the issue and efficacy scores immediately after and at 6 months after programme delivery. Rates of enquiry after programme introduction were lower than anticipated, with midwives routinely asking only 50% of the time. However, the key barrier identified was the presence of a male partner. the effect of routine enquiry for domestic violence on midwifery role development needs further exploration before universal introduction. Seeing women alone at least once during a pregnancy would clearly increase opportunities for directly asking about violence and allowing safe disclosure. Where enquiry is introduced, midwives should be given access to validated educational programmes and structured ongoing support if enquiry is to be sustained over time. Although further evaluations are necessary, it may be advisable to focus on skills-based programmes that increase midwives' confidence and prioritise support and safety aspects for midwives and women during enquiry about domestic violence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12913-021-07083-Y
Abstract: Hospital presentations provide unique opportunities to detect DFV. However, up to 70% of women experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) go undetected by hospital staff. While routine DFV screening is internationally encouraged, there is still much debate surrounding its implementation. The aim of the study was to determine staff perceptions of barriers and enablers of DFV screening and response. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary level public hospital and health service. Health care staff in allied health, maternity and mental health isions ( n = 615) were invited to participate by email and through team meetings. 172 responses were analysed. Less than a third of respondents reported routinely asking patients about DFV, with 34.9% reporting they did not have sufficient training to assist with DFV. Increased levels of training were positively correlated with screening practices, preparedness and knowledge. Major barriers were presence of partner and language barriers, while written protocols and supportive work environment were the principal enablers of screening. Staff generally believed that routine screening was important and should encompass all forms of abuse. Many felt ill-equipped to ask about or manage disclosure of DFV. More training improves staff capacity for DFV detection and response, and written guidelines should be made available to all staff.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-02-2010
Abstract: Domestic violence, which may be psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional, is a major public health problem due to the long-term health consequences for women who have experienced it and for their children who witness it. In populations of women attending general practice, the prevalence of physical or sexual abuse in the past year from a partner or ex-partner ranges from 6 to 23%, and lifetime prevalence from 21 to 55%. Domestic violence is particularly important in general practice because women have many contacts with primary care clinicians and because women experiencing abuse identify doctors and nurses as professionals from whom they would like to get support. Yet health professionals rarely ask about domestic violence and have little or no training in how to respond to disclosure of abuse. This protocol describes IRIS, a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial with the general practice as unit of randomisation. Our trial tests the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a training and support programme targeted at general practice teams. The primary outcome is referral of women to specialist domestic violence agencies. Forty-eight practices in two UK cities (Bristol and London) are randomly allocated, using minimisation, into intervention and control groups. The intervention, based on an adult learning model in an educational outreach framework, has been designed to address barriers to asking women about domestic violence and to encourage appropriate responses to disclosure and referral to specialist domestic violence agencies. Multidisciplinary training sessions are held with clinicians and administrative staff in each of the intervention practices, with periodic feedback of identification and referral data to practice teams. Intervention practices have a prompt to ask about abuse integrated in the electronic medical record system. Other components of the intervention include an IRIS ch ion in each practice and a direct referral pathway to a named domestic violence advocate. This is the first European randomised controlled trial of an intervention to improve the health care response to domestic violence. The findings will have the potential to inform training and service provision. ISRCTN74012786
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 14-03-2023
DOI: 10.1136/EMERMED-2021-211167
Abstract: Domestic violence (DV) is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. The ED is a location recommended for opportunistic screening. However, screening within EDs remains irregular. To examine intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to routine screening in Australian EDs, while describing actions taken after identification of DV. Emergency clinicians at nine public hospitals participated in an anonymous online survey. Factor analysis was performed to identify principal components around attitudes and beliefs towards screening. In total, 496 emergency clinicians participated. Universal screening was uncommon less than 2% of respondents reported screening all adults or all women. Although willing, nearly half (45%) reported not knowing how to screen. High patient load and no single rooms were ‘very or severely limiting’ for 88% of respondents, respectively, while 24/7 social work and interpreter services, and online/written DV protocols were top enablers. Factor analysis identified four distinct intrinsic belief components: (1) screening is not futile and could be done in ED, (2) screening will not cause harm, (3) there is a duty to screen and (4) I am willing to screen. This study describes a culture of Queensland ED clinicians that believe DV screening in ED is important and interventions are effective. Most ED clinicians are willing to screen. In this setting, availability of social work and interpreter services are important mitigating resources. Clinician education focusing on duty to screen, coupled with a built-in screening tool, and e-links to a local management protocol may improve the uptake of screening and subsequently increase detection.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.15218
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2021.03.006
Abstract: Having a known midwife throughout pregnancy, birth and the early parenting period improves outcomes for mothers and babies. In Australia, midwifery continuity of care has been recommended in all states, territories and nationally although uptake has been slow. Several barriers exist to implementing midwifery continuity of care models and some maternity services have responded by introducing modified models of continuity of care. An antenatal and postnatal continuity of care model without intrapartum care is one ex le of a modified model of care that has been introduced by health services. The aim of this study was to explore the value and acceptability of an antenatal and postnatal midwifery program to women, midwives and obstetricians prior to implementation of the model at one hospital in Metropolitan Sydney, Australia. A qualitative descriptive methodology was undertaken to discover the value and acceptability to the implementation of the model. Data was collected via focus groups and one to one interviews from the service users (pregnant women and two partners) and service providers (midwives and obstetricians). We also collected demographic data to demonstrate the ersity of the setting. The Quality Maternal Newborn Care (QMNC) Framework was used to guide the focus groups and analyse the data. Four themes emerged from the data that were named feeling safe and connected, having more quality time and being confident, having a sense of community and respecting cultural ersity. The findings were analysed through the lens of the quality components of the QMNC framework. The final findings demonstrate the value and acceptability of implementing this model of care from women's, midwives and obstetrician's perspective. Providing midwifery continuity of care through the antenatal and postnatal period without intrapartum care, is being implemented in Australia without any research. Using the QMNC framework is a useful way to explore the qualities of a new emerging service and the values and acceptability of this model of care for service providers and service users.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/NHS.12943
Abstract: Supportive counseling and facilitated referrals to support organizations have shown positive effects on mental health and coping with domestic and family violence. However, the reasons why and how such effects are significant remain unknown. The current paper used data from a randomized controlled trial of a psychosocial intervention implemented in Nepal among 140 abused pregnant women. The hypothesized mediating effects of self‐efficacy and social support on mental health and quality of life of abused pregnant women were tested using serial mediation analyses. Significance of parameter estimates and bias‐corrected 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the indirect effects were generated using bootstrapping. The postintervention changes in self‐efficacy and social support were found to have significant mediating effects on the relationship between the intervention and changes in both mental health and quality of life of participants post intervention. The positive effects on outcomes were seen at follow‐up as well, though to a lesser extent. Further interventions should focus on enhancing abused women's self‐efficacy and social support to ensure their positive mental health and better lives.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2016.04.010
Abstract: Reducing violence against women is a national public health priority in Australia. Routine antenatal intimate partner violence screening by a skilled midwife is essential for assessment, support and appropriate referral, but can be challenging to implement. To explore midwives' experiences of routine enquiry, perceptions of facilitators and barriers, and suggested strategies to improve practice. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Participants were recruited from an e-mail bulletin by the Australian College of Midwives. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 21 midwives. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Three themes were identified: The first theme Asking the Question incorporated the belief that whilst asking women about intimate partner violence were within the role of the midwife, participants felt unsupported and unprepared. The second theme The big fear factor represented concerns around positive disclosures of intimate partner violence, including a sense of responsibility, worries about encouraging women to disclose without clear processes and resources to support them. The third theme Building a relationship incorporated the importance of continuity of care, trust and rapport-building. Continuity of care was identified as a positive enabler for routine enquiry. A perceived lack of support, time pressures, and presence of a partner at appointments were all considered barriers to routine enquiry. Routine enquiry about IPV is a valuable and important midwifery role. Midwives described frustration and fear when women disclosed violence. The perceived level of support from health services varied according to practice contexts and needs to be improved.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2022.01.009
Abstract: The health of women is dependent on midwifery workforce stability. Retaining new midwives is paramount, however without support, the early career can be a vulnerable time for midwives. Midwives care for women who experience poor perinatal outcomes like stillbirth and neonatal death. Midwifery care in these sentinel events is complex. There is limited understanding of early career midwives' experiences within these encounters. To understand the experiences of Australian early career midwives' clinical encounters with perinatal grief, loss and trauma. A qualitative descriptive/exploratory study using in-depth interviews. Four themes were identified from interview data: (1) all eyes on the skills (2) support is of the essence (3) enduring an emotional toll (4) at all times, the woman. Most participants had minimal exposure to perinatal loss as a student. As a result, most felt unskilled and unprepared for this as a new midwife. Types and degrees of support varied in these encounters. Early career midwives who were well supported reflected positively on working with grief and loss. In contrast, inadequate or absent support had detrimental effects on participant wellbeing. Poorly supported encounters with death (intrapartum fetal, early neonatal, and maternal) in the early career period were significantly distressful, giving rise to mental and emotional distress. Pre-registration perinatal loss skill development and supported experiences are necessary for preparedness. Continued education, formalised debriefing and mentoring, institutional philosophies which promote collegial ethics of care, and the expansion of continuity of midwifery care models will improve new midwives' experiences.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2011.10.011
Abstract: this exploratory work examined and assessed the experiences of participants (n=90) using an interactive drama workshop to facilitate the planning and understanding of multiagency working around domestic violence during pregnancy. a descriptive research design was utilised to collect data from field observations, participant reflective feedback sheets and semi-structured telephone interviews. participants invited to the workshop originated from a wide range of backgrounds including health and social care, criminal justice and the third sector. All participants were invited to complete the reflective feedback evaluation form. To enhance the comprehensiveness of the enquiry, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 10 of the participants. shared themes emerging from the data analysis included improved awareness of the consequences of domestic violence greater understanding of multiple professional roles including the policy context and enhanced skill development. However, participants questioned the extent to which this approach impacted upon longer term practice and policy development. by centring attention on the emic perspective of women themselves, the drama approach developed professional's awareness, relationships, understanding and skills. Nevertheless, drama can be an expensive education tool. It is therefore essential that further research explores the longer term impacts on practice and outcomes for women that include cost-benefit analysis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2015.01.009
Abstract: Intimate partner violence is recognised as a global public health issue. Living with intimate partner violence results in poorer health status with reduced quality of life and higher utilisation of health services. Increased awareness, education and training, and an understanding of multi-agency collaboration are vital in order for health practitioners to respond to women experiencing partner violence and abuse. Midwives are well placed to identify, provide immediate support, and refer women onto appropriate support agencies but may lack appropriate education, training or support. To investigate midwives' knowledge of intimate partner violence against women during pregnancy. An online survey link was distributed through the Australian College of Midwives. The survey included personal, professional and practice details, and 25 questions that tested knowledge about intimate partner violence. 152 midwives completed the online questionnaire. Knowledge scores ranged from 27 to 48 (out of a possible 50), with the mean total score of 42.8 (SD=3.3). Although 60% of participants scored 48, two-thirds did not know about the risks and signs of intimate partner violence. One-third of the midwives did not know about age risks associated with intimate partner violence. Around 25% incorrectly believed that perpetrators are violent because of alcohol or drug use. Nearly 90% (88%) of participants had some education or training about intimate partner violence. Those with some training achieved higher knowledge scores than those with no formal training (Mann-Whitney U=1272, p=0.003). Participating midwives generally reported a high level of knowledge about intimate partner violence but held misconceptions about risks and characteristics of perpetrators of violence. These knowledge gaps may adversely affect their ability to identify women at risk of violence. Education about intimate partner violence was associated with improved knowledge. Future training and education on intimate partner violence should target identified knowledge gaps.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2021.01.002
Abstract: To investigate the experiences, perspectives and plans of students who had a six-month placement with the midwifery group practice. Focus groups were conducted with fifteen third - year Bachelor of Midwifery students who had undertaken an extended placement at a midwifery group practice in a large tertiary referral hospital in Queensland, Australia. Four main themes were identified in the data: Expectations of the Placement Facilitating learning within a midwifery group practice model Transitioning between models of care and Philosophy and culture of midwifery group practice. Third-year midwifery students valued the experience of working one-on-one for an extended placement with a midwife providing continuity of care within a caseload model. The experience was the highlight of their degree and they learned 'how to be a midwife'. Most students found reintegrating back into the hospital system of care challenging, reporting that their developed skills of supporting women holistically and facilitating normal birth were not fully utilised when returning to the task-orientated birth suite. Students valued thoughtful, kind and supportive midwifery preceptors who supported them to transition back into the hospital. Undertaking an extended placement within a midwifery group practice provides students with a rich and holistic learning experience and helps them develop a sense of professional identity. Student placements situated within models of care which provide continuity of midwifery care should be proactively enabled by health services and universities. Research of the longer-term impacts of an extended midwifery group practice clinical placement on midwifery graduates' capabilities and competencies 3-5 years post registration should be conducted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2013.01.007
Abstract: a follow-up study to evaluate the degree to which practice changes identified in the 2004/2005 evaluation of the Bristol Pregnancy Domestic Violence Programme (BPDVP) for routine enquiry for domestic abuse have been maintained. a multimethod approach was adopted, using a follow-up survey and focus groups. an acute Trust within the South West of England. 58 midwives completed the survey, 73% (n=36) of whom had taken part in the original study in 2004/2005. Eleven of those surveyed also participated in focus group interviews. participating midwives completed a 54-item questionnaire, where possible the questions were the same as those utilised in the original follow-up questionnaire. Similar to the previous study, the questionnaire was ided into a number of sections, including view of professional education, knowledge of domestic violence and abuse, attitudes and efficacy beliefs, barriers and support. The aim of the focus groups discussion was to obtain the overall views of midwives with the regard to the on-going implementation of routine enquiry. Frequency distributions for midwife responses in 2010 were compared with the corresponding frequency distributions in 2004/2005 and a statistical assessment of differences was performed using the χ(2) test of association. midwives have to feel confident in their abilities to ask about abuse and the findings from this study demonstrate that across the cohort there was a tendency to have an increase in confidence in asking about domestic violence. Midwives have to feel confident in their abilities to ask about abuse. The findings from this study demonstrate that across the cohort there was a statistically significant increase in self-reported confidence in asking women about domestic abuse. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in the degree of self-reported knowledge of how to deal with a disclosure of domestic violence when comparing the 2010 data with 2005 data. results suggest that improvements in antenatal enquiry for domestic violence and abuse developed through the 2004/2005 BPDVP have improved over time, with the support of mandatory training. Nevertheless, barriers continue to exist, which include presence of a male partner and lack of face to face interpreting services, both these obstacles need to be addressed if all women and, in particular those who are most at risk of abuse are to be identified and supported.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.NEPR.2018.07.008
Abstract: Capstone experiences facilitate consolidation and application of previous learning, strengthening professional identity and competency. This study evaluates the effectiveness and acceptability of a capstone assessment item, in the form of an e-portfolio, designed to identify and demonstrate preparedness for professional midwifery practice. A sequential explanatory strategy occurred within a mixed method research design. Final year Bachelor of Midwifery students at an Australian university, having completed the e-portfolio assessment, participated in two phases of data collection an initial online-survey, followed by in-depth exploration of emergent concepts within a focus group. Analysis of the quantitative data identified completing the e-portfolio assessment increased students' skills, knowledge and confidence and promoted reflection and critical thinking. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data acknowledging growth and development transitioning to practice, and knowing 'who I am and where I am going'. The e-portfolio assessment meets the aims of a capstone assessment and provides an appropriate framework and authentic opportunity for students to identify and demonstrate their level of preparedness for professional practice, determine their ongoing learning needs and develop strategies for achieving them. The assessment item provides an opportunity to develop and articulate a personal practice philosophy and embeds the principles of lifelong learning.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Kathleen Baird.