The virtual birthing unit project/Phone call/Midwife's self-assessment form

Use these questions to assess your performance, reflect on what you did well and what you can improve in the future

Guidelines to help you assess your performance

 * Facilitates Relationship==
 * takes responsibility for negotiating an effective partnership
 * maintains comfortable rapport with the woman
 * establishes trust
 * is responsive to the needs expressed by the woman
 * maintains professional manner and presentation
 * Assesses
 * assesses woman’s own knowledge and experience
 * identifies woman’s needs and responds
 * recognises woman’s social, cultural and health context
 * Shares Information
 * displays an accurate knowledge base
 * provides quality evidence based information
 * appropriate options offered
 * communicates clearly and effectively
 * establishes woman’s understanding
 * Conclusion==
 * brief summary of information provided
 * establishes availability for ongoing discussion/advice
 * documents telephone discussion

Specific guidelines to help you assess your actions

 * Assesses woman’s condition
 * general condition and how she is coping
 * history of contractions: when they started, how often they are, how long they last, how strong they are, can she talk through them on the phone?
 * has she had a show, what does it look like?
 * has she ruptured her membranes? what colour is the liquor?
 * is she managing to eat and drink?
 * is she passing urine and normal had bowel movements in the last 24 – 48 hours
 * how the baby has been moving in the last 24 hours
 * what support she is getting at home? Does she want to come to the birth unit for assessment?
 * reviews history and background from woman’s notes, exclude risk factors


 * Sharing information
 * signs of established labour
 * women do better in labour if they stay at home as long as possible
 * things to look out for that necessitate calling again eg ruptured membranes, vaginal bleeding, severe pain


 * Plan for ongoing care
 * rest as much as possible
 * eat and drink
 * relax in warm shower/bath
 * monitor baby’s movements
 * ring again if labour appears to be establishing or if the woman has any concerns
 * make sure bag is packed and there is petrol in the car


 * Concludes discussion appropriately
 * briefly summarize advice and plan of action
 * ensure woman’s understanding
 * emphasize her choice about plan of action
 * make sure she knows how contact you for further   information/advice if needed
 * make sure she knows when to contact you for further information/advice


 * Documents discussion including advice and plan for ongoing care
 * date, time, signature
 * information woman shared with you
 * advice you gave woman
 * plan of action