InFACT  Intrapartum Fetal Assessment Certification Training

Is your knowledge of fetal assessment evidence-based?

Are your methods of fetal assessment based on current research and therefore legally defensible?

Are you aware of how auscultation differs from electronic monitoring?

How does intrapartum fetal assessment differ in out-of-hospital settings?

What are mother-friendly ways to assess fetal well-being?

What are evidence-based practices for GBS?

This course covers the following topics:

• Why fetal assessment in low risk deliveries
• Overview of physiology of fetal well being in labor
• Principles of intermittent auscultation (listening) to the fetal heart rate during labor
• AWHONN 2008 Guidelines for Intermittent Auscultation 
• Basic continuous electronic monitoring in labor-standardized terminology and interpretation
• An algorithm for low risk assessment of the fetal heart rate in labor
• Maternal assessment including special circumstances such as VBAC, postdates, and ROM
• GBS protocols and recommendations based on current research and evidence.

This course is NOT designed for high risk deliveries, but how to assess when further intervention or referral is needed. This course does not include management of obstetric complications or emergencies, which is covered in the BEST Birth Emergency Skills Training course.

InFACT incorporates the most recent studies and professional recommendations. These recommendations have implications for professionals caring for laboring women in out-of-hospital (OOH) settings. One recommendation in particular is that professionals regularly review the concepts and practice recommendations of intermittent auscultation. In addition, midwives in OOH practice benefit from familiarity with indications for and principles of continuous electronic fetal monitoring as applied during in hospital, in case of transfer, or in an advocacy or ongoing provider role. The recommendations for the laboring woman who is positive or at risk for Group B Strep (GBS), are controversial, confusing, and often changing. This course covers current GBS recommendations and protocols by a variety of providers, and recommendations for OOH providers based on current evidence.

Format: This course will be offered online in a weekend-style group course with 5-10 participants progressing through 9 content modules and a final module containing course and faculty evaluation and certificate of completion.  Modules will include Assigned Readings, power point presentations, group discussion, interactive learning exercises, and module validation quizzes. The course discussion facilitated by the instructor, learning activities are done at any point over the weekend.

Participants: This is a continuing (not basic) education level course designed for the practicing midwife working in out-of-hospital settings. Students must be currently attending births in the capacity of primary under supervision to be eligible for the course.

Preparation for Course: While it is expected that participants have previously taken a course in electronic fetal monitoring, a review of the basics is recommended to make the most of the information provided in the course. The course is demanding and fast paced and a review will optimize the time spend during weekend. Upon registration, a link to an online self-paced tutorial will be sent which should be taken prior to the course. Required reading will be included in the course.

Recommended Texts:

Mosby's Pocket Guide to Fetal Monitoring: A Multidisciplinary Approach  by Susan Martin Tucker

Fetal Heart Rate Auscultation by Feinstein, Sprague, and Trepanier Available from the AWONN Web site, purchase of the book includes 2.4 CEUs

Evidenced-Based Maternity Care: What It Is and What It Can Achieve. free pdf.

CEUS: In collaboration with United Nurses Seminars, provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP11487 for 2.0 CEU (20 contact hours). MEAC and ACNM CEUs pending.  

Course Designers and Instructors 

Kim Perry, CPM, CNM has been involved in home birth since 1983. She became an apprentice trained midwife in 1991, a CPM in 1996, and a CNM in 2003.   She has taught in two Associate Degree Nursing programs since 2005 and has precepted apprentices through the CPM certification process.  She has been an advocate of midwifery licensure in the State of Illinois for over 20 years, co-founded Illinois Families For Midwifery, and is a Board member of the Coalition For Illinois Midwifery. Kim has received her BSN from Husson College in Bangor, Maine, and her Master’s degree in Nursing (Nurse Midwifery) from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and is licensed to practice midwifery and nursing in both Illinois and Iowa. 

Daphne Singingtree, CPM started on her path to midwifery in 1974, and has been teaching midwifery since 1979.  She is the author of the Birthsong Midwifery Workbook, the Emergency Guide to Obstetric Complications, and Training Midwives: A Guide for Preceptors, as well as many other publications and resources for midwifery educators.  She is a student at Ashford University were she is completing her Bachelor's in Organizational Management, and working towards a Master's Degree in Education with a concentration on Learning with Technology.

Tuition: $150.00  Refunds: if you are unable to attend the course for whatever reason tuition will be refunded, minus a 5% processing fee if notified at least three days prior to the opening of the course. Full credit for another course date may be applied.

Schedule and Time Commitment: It will open early on Friday and stay open through Monday, however the instructor will only be available on the weekend.  The time of day you log in is flexible, but plan on spending the weekend at the computer, like you would if you were attending a conference.  You need to pass by at least 80% in order to get your certificate.

Computer Requirements: While it is not required that you have taken previous online courses, you must be experienced in basic computer tasks, for software requirements click here. You do not need a web cam or microphone for this course, however you do need speakers to hear video/audio. You also must take a short tutorial course prior to starting the course to learn to navigate our software, and assure your computer is properly configured.

To Register: 1. Click the enroll now button and pay the tuition. You will be emailed all the information you need  log into the course area and take tutorials to prepare for the course. You will not get access to the course until the day before it opens. 2. Fax a copy of your license/certification to 800-584-6235. Advanced students may fax a letter from their preceptor in lieu of a license/certification. For practicing midwives not licensed or certified please email for special circumstances. 

Dates: September 26, 27, 2009