How do we improve the knowledge and skills of midwives and doctors in assessment and classification of perineal tears?

Summary This project will involve a systematic review to examine initiatives undertaken to educate and train midwives and doctors in perineal anatomy and classification of perineal tears.

Project Details

Severe perineal tears (third- and fourth-degree tears) are associated with significant immediate and long term implications for women and health systems. In Australia, rates of third- and fourth-degree tears are above rates for similar OECD countries and there is significant variation across states and territories. Many maternity services across Australia are driving their own initiatives to reduce the incidence of severe perineal tears and this is further supported by state and national efforts to establish best practice guidelines and clinical standards.

It has been recognised that improving the competency of midwives and doctors in assessing and accurately classifying perineal tears could be one avenue through which to achieve better prevention and management of severe perineal tears. This project will involve a systematic review to examine initiatives undertaken to educate and train midwives and doctors in perineal anatomy and classification of perineal tears.

The student will work with the Global Women’s and Newborn’s Health Group at the Burnet Institute in Melbourne (primarily desk-based research). This project will allow the student to gain experience in global maternal and perinatal health epidemiology, systematic review and quantitative analysis methodologies, with a view to a scientific publication and pursuing a PhD.