The State-wide Obstetric Support Unit in partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) and the King Edward Memorial Hospital Liaison GP have developed new WA State-wide Maternity Shared Care Guidelines. This project followed requests from clinicians across the state and workshops held in 2018.
Following a two year gestation, the Guidelines have arrived. The Guidelines will provide direction for GPs, midwives and other maternity health care providers working within the Western Australian public health system when caring for women who make the informed choice to have their antenatal care provided within a shared care arrangement.
Shared care represents an opportunity to practice collaborative holistic maternity care by combining the varied skills of Midwife, General Practitioner and Obstetrician and Health Service Providers to the benefit of the community and promotes mutual understanding between colleagues.
The Guidelines were developed using evidence-based, contemporary professional practice standards and outline the minimum clinical care required by maternity shared care providers. These Guidelines are underpinned by the National Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pregnancy Care (2018) and should be used in conjunction with existing Health Service Provider Guidelines. They are the default guideline in the absence of existing current guidelines.
Shared maternity care providers can access up to date information and resources using the embedded links within the Guidelines. The layout of the Guidelines provides a systematic process for shared maternity care providers to deliver quality care through assessment, screening, education and referral. Included are specific information regarding Family and Domestic Violence, Syphilis and First Trimester Screening.
A Quick Reference Guide provides a summary of care for each trimester and the postnatal period. A standardised referral form is also included and where practicable shared maternity care providers are encouraged to use this.
Any queries regarding the Guidelines should be directed to SOSUMidwiferyDirector@health.wa.gov.au