CREDENTIALLING: FREQUENCY ASKED QUESTIONS?
What is credentialling?
Credentialling is the formal process used to verify and evaluate the qualifications and experience of health care professionals for the purposes of forming an opinion about their training, skills, experience and competence. In NSW, credentialing is proposed as a mechanism for midwives to demonstrate their competence and capability to practise in midwifery managed continuity of care models of care. The NSW Health Credentialing Framework was developed by a working group involving NSW Midwives Association (NSWMA), NSW Health and the Australian College of Midwives (ACMI). The ACMI is the peak professional body for midwives in Australia and has developed national standards for the profession in consultation with key stakeholders, which will also be key elements of this credentialling framework. The NSW Branch of the ACMI, the NSW Midwives Association is the organisation that assesses midwives and awards the credential in NSW.
Who needs to undergo credentialling?
Employed midwives working in midwifery-managed continuity of care models need to attain and maintain the NSW Health credential.
What is a midwifery managed continuity of care model of care?
‘Midwifery-managed models’ are defined as those models where midwives are working as primary care providers through the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum period. Each woman receives care from a nominated primary midwife who takes responsibility for ensuring that the care provided to the woman is appropriate, safe and effective, based on her identified needs and individual circumstances.
Do I have to do it now?
Midwives have a 12 month transitional period from the date of commencement working in these models to attain the credential. Those in existing models also have 12 months to attain the credential.
I am not working in a midwifery-managed model. Can I still undergo credentialling?
In NSW, credentialling is available to any midwife wishing to formally demonstrate and be recognized for delivering high standards of midwifery continuity of care.
What will it cost?
The cost is yet to be finalized. However, if you are required to attain the credential, it is likely that NSW Health will meet most of the costs involved.
Is there any financial support available?
The Nursing and Midwifery Office at NSW Health will provide scholarship funding through the NSW Midwives Association for a transitional period of two years to support those individual midwives who are required to attain the credential as part of their employment with NSW Health. After January 2008, Area Health Services will be required to fund the credentialling process for midwives working in midwifery-managed continuity of care models.
Why do we need it?
In the past, there have been few opportunities for midwives within the public health system in NSW to undertake the full role of the midwife as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) . The organisation of maternity services has often been compartmentalised and fragmented. Midwives now have the opportunity, and in many areas are required, to work within new models2 (primary, secondary, tertiary maternity services) providing continuity of care across the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum continuum. Credentialing offers us the opportunity to show that we are professionally, skilled and safe practitioners already well prepared to offer these models of care for women.
What will I have to do?
Credentialling is planned as a two-part process consisting of a self-directed assessment phase and the formal credentialling procedure.
Firstly, you will receive a package of information from NSWMA. This will include information about the process, the dates for the assessment and guidance notes. The package will also include the ACMI Midwifery Practice Development Self-Assessment Tool. It’s important for you to do this before you undertake the credentialling assessment as it will help identify areas for some attention. The guidance notes will tell you what information you need to bring to the assessment in your portfolio, for example evidence that you can suture, cannulate and collect blood and examples of de-identified notes.
The second part involves the assessment. This is where you will bring your evidence as part of your portfolio. There will be a discussion with the panel (two midwives and a consumer) where you will talk about your work and your portfolio. There will be a workstation assessment of a common obstetric emergency (much like in an ALSO course) and a discussion about consultation and referral; using the ACMI guidelines and a clinical scenario that the panel will talk through with you.
The assessment is designed as a supportive process and should not be worrying. It will include a discussion about your practice, what you would do in certain circumstances and about your professional development plans. Many midwives have already undertaken much of what will be required. The assessment is really just a formalising of what you have already done and a recognition of your skills and capacity.
Who will administer the credentialling process for midwives in NSW?
The New South Wales Midwives Association (NSWMA), a branch of the Australian College of Midwives (ACMI), will administer the credentialling framework.
How long does it last?
The credential will be awarded for three years.
What happens if I am not successful?
If you are unsuccessful, you may need to attend additional support and development programs before you can undertake the assessment again. The feedback from the assessment will help you identify what your additional needs might be.
If you don’t agree with the decision, an appeals process will be available through the NSWMA.
We really hope that the process is supportive and encouraging at every level.
How long do I have to wait for reassessment?
This can be negotiated but it is likely that you can apply for reassessment after two months.
When will the first assessment be?
We will be deciding on dates soon. Keep a look out on the NSWMA website.
How will credentialling relate to the ACMI National Practice Review Project that will start soon?
NSWMA will be involved in the ACMI project to develop a National Practice Review Project. We will endeavour to work closely with the ACMI during the national project.
Where can I get more information?
NSW Midwives Association will be releasing more information on the process soon. In the meantime, the Policy Directive released by NSW Health provides a lot more information on credentialling.
The weblink is http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2005/PD2005_615.html