Third and fourth-degree perineal tears are significant childbirth injuries that can have lasting physical and emotional impacts on the affected person. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis and timely management are critical in optimising outcomes and supporting recovery. Are you confident in identifying and managing these complex injuries?
This Ausmed Course is designed to equip midwives, nurses and healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills to prevent, recognise and manage third and fourth-degree perineal tears in line with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's Clinical Care Standard. Strengthen your confidence in providing evidence-based, compassionate care to improve maternal outcomes, promote healing and enhance the overall quality of reproductive healthcare.
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the perineum and its role in childbirth and perineal integrity.
Identify the risk factors and mechanisms associated with perineal injury.
Recognise the signs and symptoms of third and fourth-degree tears.
Identify antenatal and intrapartum strategies to reduce the risk of a third or fourth-degree tear.
Understand the indications, risks and benefits of instrumental vaginal birth.
Become familiar with the standard perineal tear classifications.
Apply evidence-based management for perineal assessment and repair.
Provide comprehensive psychological and emotional support for patients with severe perineal trauma and ensure appropriate follow-up care to address ongoing physical, emotional and psychological needs.
Midwives, nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in maternal and reproductive health who wish to deepen their understanding and clinical expertise in the assessment and management of third and fourth-degree perineal tears.
The occurrence and management of third and fourth-degree perineal tears is an area of clinical concern within Australia, with the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care developing a Clinical Care Standard relating to the topic.
These injuries affect approximately 3% of all Australian women who have a vaginal birth and 5% of women having their first vaginal birth. The aim of this standard is to improve national consistency in best-practice care for the prevention, recognition and management of third and fourth perineal tears.
The goals of this standard reflect the ongoing need for education on the topic, and this course aims to equip healthcare professionals involved with the care of patients at risk of experiencing perineal tears with the necessary knowledge of best practices and the expectations of this standard.
This course is designed to enhance the understanding of third and fourth-degree perineal tears among healthcare professionals, equipping them with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to ensure timely, effective, and compassionate care. By improving the ability to identify and repair these injuries, the course aims to optimise maternal outcomes and support the physical and emotional recovery of affected women.
To provide healthcare professionals with an enhanced understanding of how to accurately identify and manage third and fourth-degree perineal tears, provide evidence-based and compassionate care, and best support the physical and emotional recovery of their patients following these injuries.
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