Professional Midwifery Advocate

Why choose this course?

This blended online and in-person short course is delivered in a collaborative and inclusive way, with excellent support from course tutors (who have academic and industry expertise). It has been developed to meet the PMA standards set by NHS England (2017a), in line with the Standards of Proficiency for Midwives (2019). 

This course directly enhances employability by equipping midwives with the skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities that contemporary maternity services need. The module is underpinned by the A‑EQUIP model, which focuses on continuous improvement and the development of personal and professional resilience, key attributes sought by employers across maternity care settings.

What will I study?

The core concepts and themes of the course include:  

• A deep practical understanding of the PMA role
• National drivers and the background of PMA role development
• Restorative Clinical Supervision
• PMA support 
• Developing communities of practice and multi-professional working
• Quality improvement, the A-EQUIP model and change management.
• Evidence-based knowledge of the development of enhancement of care
• Organisational culture, including Ethics, Law, Moral injury and distress.
• Workforce issues and retention
• Leadership styles, conflict resolution and compassionate leadership
• Essentials of Mental Health First Aid to recognise signs of anxiety and distress in staff
• Academic and communication skills, including presentation skills

How will I be taught and assessed?

This is an online continuing professional development module. Theory days deliver essential subject content based on the principles of improvement science. However, learners are expected to build on this theory independently focussing on their individual project to achieve the requirements of the module. This will be 10 days blended delivery.

Theory days will consist of a series of expert seminars on different aspects of the curriculum. The module is also supported by PMAs who will support student learning and development in small group activities. 

Other teaching methods include lectures, interactive discussion-based activities and reflections in groups before, during and following teaching, practical tasks and personalised learning via tutorials. Group work and case studies will encourage interaction and participation and ensure an explicit link to learners’ work-based projects. Synchronous small group discussions bring learners together to share their knowledge and experiences, providing opportunities to consolidate their learning. Discussion board on the virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will support collaboration across the professions and diversity of students. 

Assessment is made up of an exam using short answer and multiple-choice questions, and a clinical portfolio evidencing development in the clinical setting.