Canberra Hospital and Health Services
Operational Guideline
STEP AHEAD Program: Antenatal care of young women requiring additional support
Contents
Contents
Guideline Statement
Scope
Section 1 – STEP AHEAD Program
Implementation
Related Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and Legislation
References
Search Terms
Guideline Statement
Background
Young women who are pregnant may be vulnerable to not accessing or receiving appropriate pregnancy support, information and clinical care. The STEP AHEAD Program at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children (CHWC) provides a model of antenatal care which facilitates these women engaging with appropriate care.
STEP AHEAD – Safety, Trust, Empowerment, Parenting preparation, Allowances, Housing, Education, Activities, Dependables.
Key Objectives
- To identify women and provide a specialist service specifically focused on the unique nature and needs of the young parent.
- to incorporate and recognise the young parents’ existing networks and supports and provide a comprehensive contract of care that covers her clinical, educational, social and emotional needs.
- to provide a consistent primary contact for women who meet the admission criteria for this program.
- to familiarise these women with the services available in the postnatal period including Midcall, Maternal and Child Health (MACH) and the STEPUP postnatal contraceptive clinic.
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Scope
This document applies to CHHS staff who are working within their scope of practice
- Medical Officers
- Midwives and Nurses
- Student Midwives and Nurses under direct supervision
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Section 1 –STEP AHEAD Program
This program is available to every young pregnant woman aged 21yrs and younger who anticipates birthing at The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children (CHWC). The eligible age may be extended to 25 years if women are attending their antenatal care at the Junction Youth Health Service and plan to birth at CHWC.
Referrals:
- Referrals to the program can be by the woman, a friend or family member, primary caregiver (GP, midwife, health worker), tertiary agency (government, school or community service)
- Antenatal clinic reception staff when asking for date of birth will automatically book women in with the STEP AHEAD Program midwife if the woman is less than 21yrs of age
- Once the referral is given, the first appointment with the young woman should be scheduled as early as possible in the pregnancy to start to develop a trust relationship and rapport with the woman. Antenatal appointments are held either at the hospital or at community clinics.
Program Details:
- The first appointment should be in a relaxed atmosphere. Information about the program should be provided, and the woman should have the opportunity to ask questions about the program.One and a half totwo hours is allocated for this pregnancy booking appointment
- The STEPAHEADmidwife will refer to the existing Antenatal Care Guidelines and the Australian College of Midwives Consultation and Referral Guidelines when planning pregnancy care
- The STEP AHEAD (Dugard 2003) mnemonic is used toassess the woman’s social situation including housing, safety, allowances and education
- The woman is provided withwritten resources at their first appointment including age appropriate information as available
- Social work referral should be made in most young parent situations – even if not needed immediately, it is important to liaise with the social worker and notify them of the woman’s registration within the program
- Pregnancy Enhancement Program (PEP), Community Health Intake (CHI) priority referral and Care and Protection referrals are made as required during the pregnancy
- Referrals to Perinatal Mental Health and other relevant organisations may also be required and will be completed
- Contraception is discussed in pregnancy and followed up just before the expected date of birth (EDB) or after birth. Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) can be inserted in the postnatal period in the ward or at a subsequent gynaecology clinic appointment
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Implementation
Education will be provided to medical and midwifery staff on this clinical procedure and its relevance to practice. The operational guideline will be accessible online via the Policy Register.
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Doc Number / Version / Issued / Review Date / Area Responsible / PageCHHS17/250 / 1 / 27/10/2017 / 01/10/2022 / WY&C / 1 of 4
Do not refer to a paper based copy of this policy document. The most current version can be found on the ACT Health Policy Register
/ CHHS17/250
Related Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and Legislation
Policies
- Health Directorate Nursing and Midwifery Continuing Competence Policy
- Consent and Treatment
- Labour Care 1st, 2nd and 3rd Stage
Procedures
- CHHS Healthcare Associated Infections Clinical Procedure
- CHHS Patient Identification and Procedure Matching Policy
Legislation
- Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997
- Human Rights Act 2004
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
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References
- Australian College of Midwives (2008). National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral
- Australian Government (2012). Department of Health and Aging, Clinical Practice Guidelines: Antenatal care – Modules 1 and 11, Commonwealth of Australia
- Dugard, Lindy (2003). Young Parent Guidelines
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Search Terms
Step Ahead, Young mother
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Disclaimer: This document has been developed by Health Directorate, Canberra Hospital and Health Services specifically for its own use. Use of this document and any reliance on the information contained therein by any third party is at his or her own risk and Health Directorate assumes no responsibility whatsoever.
Date Amended / Section Amended / Approved ByEg: 17 August 2014 / Section 1 / ED/CHHSPC Chair
Doc Number / Version / Issued / Review Date / Area Responsible / Page
CHHS17/250 / 1 / 27/10/2017 / 01/10/2022 / WY&C / 1 of 4
Do not refer to a paper based copy of this policy document. The most current version can be found on the ACT Health Policy Register