Unit Catalogue

Back to Unit Search

HEA571 - Maternal Critical Care: Acute Conditions

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Midwifery

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

The unit uses a multidisciplinary team-based approach, appealing to a variety of health professionals. In Maternal Critical Care: Acute Conditions, students study the conditions that give rise to critical illness, rapid deterioration and emergencies in pregnancy and the puerperium. The focus is to develop and build on practitioners' clinical reasoning and judgement skills that are required to assist in prompt clinical decision-making, supporting the immediate and ongoing management of the critically ill woman.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Apply knowledge of shared decision making with medical staff during medical emergencies concerning intrapartum and postpartum maternal care.
2.	Critically review and refer using diagnostic processes that relate to underlying pathophysiology of illness that impacts on critical illness in pregnancy and the puerperium.
3.	Apply knowledge related to the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration in the care and management of women who experience critical illness in in pregnancy and the puerperium.
4.	Discuss and critique clinical assessments regarding the midwifery/nursing management of emergency situations and demonstrate leadership in specific midwifery and nursing interventions relating to identified conditions requiring high dependency care.
5.	Apply examination skills and clinical judgement to identify women requiring critical care during the various stages of pregnancy and the puerperium, including how to modify care accordingly.
6.	Critically appraise and define the role of the nurse/midwife in maternal critical care during pregnancy and the puerperium.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Critical Reflection (1000 words)	10%	1,2,3,4,5,6
2.	Interactive Oral Assessment (30 minute presentation on your chosen condition followed by discussion with the unit coordinator)	40%	2,3,4,5
3.	Project Plan Submission (500 words)	5%	3,6'
4.	Project Report (2500 words)	45%	1,2,3,4,6

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2025 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)