4 Themes for Educators to Explore at the American College of Nurse-Midwives Annual Conference
The American College of Nurse-Midwives Conference is the premier event for midwives, educators in midwifery, and healthcare professionals. This year's conference, set to take place May 7 – 9 in Orlando, Fla., will feature a range of exciting themes that will provide insights into the future of healthcare. Read on to learn about the four themes midwifery educators will find at this year’s conference.
Midwifery Insights for the Future of Healthcare
The theme of "Midwifery insights for the future of healthcare" will be a major focus at the conference this year. It is a timely and critical theme given the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, and the need for innovative approaches to ensure access to quality care for all patients.
The theme will cover a range of topics, including new and emerging trends in midwifery practice, innovations in healthcare delivery, and best practices for enhancing patient outcomes. Educators attending the conference will benefit from the insights and knowledge shared by industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners who are at the forefront of advancing midwifery practice.
One of the key areas of focus under this theme will be the role of midwives in the promotion of maternal and child health. Maternal and child health remains a significant challenge globally, and midwives have a critical role to play in addressing this challenge.
The conference will provide insights into the latest trends and best practices in maternal and child health, with a focus on innovative approaches to enhancing access to care, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, and improving outcomes for women and children.
Download a free digital review copy of Kotch’s Maternal and Child Health, Fourth Edition, which offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of maternal and child health.
Use of Tech in Midwifery Practice
Another area of focus under this theme will be the use of technology in midwifery practice. Technology is rapidly changing the healthcare landscape, and midwives must stay up to date with the latest advancements to provide the best care possible to their patients. The conference will provide insights into the use of technology in midwifery practice, including telemedicine, electronic health records, and other digital tools that can enhance patient outcomes and improve the efficiency of care delivery.
ACNM has a position statement on use of technology in childbirth, which includes the following key points:
- The availability and provision of non-technological interventions for comfort in labor for all women, such as continuous labor support and water immersion, that have demonstrated efficacy and safety.
- Appropriate use of technological interventions when the benefits of such technology outweigh the risks and when the intervention is warranted to improve the health and/or wellbeing of the woman and/or infant.
- A framework wherein use of technology is based on evidence of benefit. Often however, there is a lack of evidence in favor of or against the use of certain procedures. In these circumstances, judicious use of technology should be based on assessment of individual benefits and risks using shared decision making with women and families.
- Fully informed decision-making about the use of technology, during which the benefits, risks and alternatives are clearly explained to the woman.
- Use of socially and culturally appropriate interventions at every opportunity.
The Importance of Interprofessional Collaboration
Midwives often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care for their patients. Educators attending the conference will learn about the importance of building strong relationships with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients.
Read: Nurses Need to Learn the Business of Healthcare, Here’s Why
Health Equity
Finally, the conference will also cover the role of midwives in promoting health equity and addressing health disparities. Equal access to healthcare remains a significant challenge globally, and midwives have an important role to play in addressing these disparities. The conference will provide insights into the latest research and best practices in addressing health disparities, with a focus on innovative approaches to promoting health equity and reducing disparities in access to care.
The ACNM Conference is an excellent opportunity for educators to gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in midwifery practice. If you are involved in teaching midwives, we invite you to explore Varney’s Midwifery, Sixth Edition. This book is considered the “gold standard” for midwifery practice.
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