Implementing A Framework for Maternity ... - Scottish Government

Education, Training and
Workforce Issues
1. The report of the Education, Training and Workforce Issues Subgroup of A Framework for
Maternity Services in Scotland described the challenges in developing a well-equipped and
well-resources obstetric workforce. The report concluded that local solutions, combined with
significant resources, are required to ensure a high-quality maternity service for all women
in Scotland, irrespective of geographical location.
The competency approach
2. The EGAMS has defined and described the competencies maternity care professionals need
to provide effective and safe care for low-risk women and to manage obstetric emergencies
within remote and non-specialist units. Competencies have subsequently been developed
to cover all types of maternity care facilities in Scotland; all staff must achieve the range of
competencies set for low-risk care (Level I), and specialist staff will need to achieve those at
Levels II and III.
3. All the competencies correlate to established good practice. They are designed to ensure
that all professionals working in maternity units have the confidence, skills and attitudes to
deliver a consistently high standard of care, to ensure patient safety and comply with the
requirements of good clinical governance. The full description of the competencies can be
found in Appendix 3.
Principles
3.1 Maternity care professionals working in units throughout Scotland should achieve the
competencies appropriate for the level of care their Unit provides.
3.2 Maternity care professionals should identify present and required competencies
within their individual job descriptions, personal development plans (PDPs) and
continuing professional development (CPD) portfolios.
Continuing professional education and training
4. Once achieved, it is vital that competency-based practice is maintained. This may be relatively
easy to achieve in larger units caring for large numbers of women. In smaller units, and in
units in remote and rural areas there are likely to be fewer opportunities. These units will
need to collaborate with other larger Units to ensure that professionals have the chance to
update their skills, knowledge and competencies on a regular basis. They should consider
innovative approaches to training and CPD, for example using video-conferencing to enable
staff to participate in educational events.
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