1.1 Critically evaluate and apply underlying threshold concepts to inform the context of midwifery practice. Make evidence-based judgements in accordance with theories and concepts relevant to midwifery practice.
Purpose of the assessment (aim):
Completion of the portfolio will demonstrate the knowledge, qualities, and transferable skills necessary for development towards professional practice, including accountability, autonomy and responsibility.
Your portfolio will support your ongoing engagement with learning and development and should be considered a contemporaneous piece of work
Learning outcomes to be achieved:
BSc Portfolio Mark weighted at 34%
1.1 Critically evaluate and apply underlying threshold concepts to inform the context of midwifery practice. Make evidence-based judgements in accordance with theories and concepts relevant to midwifery practice.
1.2 Demonstrate knowledge of professional, political and ethical principles with an emphasis on promoting well-being and sustainable midwifery and multidisciplinary team working
2.1 Evaluate & interpret midwifery clinical situations on the basis of sound
knowledge of physiological concepts & evidence base of midwifery practice whilst
promoting normality, placing the woman & her family at the centre of care
2.3: Practise competently without the need for direct supervision safely & effectively whilst contributing to multi-disciplinary team working achieving all NMC (2009) requirements for entry to the register
3.1: Communicate effectively and professionally information, problems or solutions to diverse audiences through a variety of media
3.2: Assess and manage own learning, contributing to self and peer development
through collaborative working in both midwifery and multi-professional groups
What to include
You should explore the learning outcomes, already highlighted, consider how you can incorporate and showcase these throughout your Portfolio.
You must demonstrate this in the following requirements.
Learning gains- Johari window with a brief reflective commentary on your Johari window with particular consideration of what this means in relation to the development of your professional self. Action planning on things like time management, Reading guidelines prior to clinical placement, (Learning based), Action plan on Independent Project planning (My independent project was on How covid-19 had impacted womans mental health in the post-natal periodAny other actions plans relevantPosition statement- so for your 3rd final year as a student midwife what is your starting point for this year compared to previous year (e.g. time management, organisatioetcn, , what strengths and attributes to you bring to this journey so far? What is your personal philosophy of midwifery? Any weaknesses such as prioritising tasks e.g. priortising tasks between family commitmnents and studying, Illustrative presentation- Evaluate & propose a small change in practice, as identified from your independent project, that you would like to
implement. Using a recognised change model e.g.Adkar, PDSA) present how you would do this using any form of illustrative medium (for example a poster or, PowerPoint You can use any change model.
· Explore your proposed change with a critical lens & evaluate
how you reached the final proposal/decision.
· Showcase any relevant multi-disciplinary or collaborative
working that this may require.End of year reflection
It is essential that you demonstrate an ongoing engagement with your portfolio throughout the academic year in order demonstrate your ability to formulate and
reflect on action plans.
You will gain marks for demonstrating insight not only into your strengths but also areas that are more challenging and ways to overcome these. The use of creative
Multimedia/methods to express and explore your professional development throughout the year is encouraged.Your work should include appropriate citations and referencing to demonstrate your engagement with and application of literature throughout your portfolio.It is advisable to use a reflective model to structure your reflective writing.Your portfolio can be creative, innovative, and personal to your learning style.It is however an academic piece of work, therefore must remain professional & contain appropriate referencing throughout.
Format for presentation of work:
The assignment should be formatted as follows:
– Font; Ariel or Times New Roman.
– Size; 12.
– Line spacing; 1.5
– Referencing; Bradford Harvard Referencing
Level 6 Rubric
Example Answer – Plagiarised, Please Do Not Copy
Critically Evaluating and Applying Threshold Concepts in Midwifery Practice
Threshold concepts are fundamental ideas that, once understood, transform a practitioner`s perception of a subject area. In the context of midwifery, these concepts are crucial as they underpin the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective practice. They shape the way midwives think, make decisions, and provide care, ultimately influencing the quality and safety of maternity services.
Threshold Concepts in Midwifery
Key threshold concepts in midwifery include the notions of woman-centred care, normalcy, and partnership working. These concepts are not merely theoretical; they have practical implications that directly impact the care provided to women and families. Understanding and applying these concepts requires a critical evaluation of both the theoretical foundations and the contextual factors that affect midwifery practice.
Woman-Centred Care: This concept involves placing the woman at the centre of care, respecting her autonomy, choices, and individual needs. It demands an understanding of the social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence a woman’s experience of childbirth. In practice, this means that midwives must balance clinical guidelines with personalised care, making evidence-based judgements that reflect the unique circumstances of each woman.
For example, a midwife must evaluate the risks and benefits of various interventions, considering not only the clinical evidence but also the woman`s preferences and values. This approach aligns with the principles of informed consent and shared decision-making, which are critical in maintaining trust and ensuring positive outcomes.
Normalcy: The concept of normalcy refers to the recognition of pregnancy and childbirth as normal physiological processes, rather than medical conditions that require routine intervention. Midwives are trained to support natural birth processes, intervening only when necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. This concept challenges the medicalisation of childbirth and emphasises the importance of promoting normal birth whenever possible.
In practice, this requires midwives to have a deep understanding of the physiological processes of labour and birth, as well as the ability to distinguish between normal variations and pathological conditions. This knowledge allows them to provide appropriate care that minimises unnecessary interventions, such as caesarean sections or instrumental deliveries, which can have long-term implications for both the mother and the baby.
Partnership Working: Partnership working involves collaboration between midwives, women, families, and other healthcare professionals. It is based on mutual respect, effective communication, and a shared commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. This concept is crucial in midwifery, where care often involves multidisciplinary teams, particularly in complex or high-risk cases
