Partnering with the woman who declines recommended maternity care
Queensland Health has developed resources to support women and their clinicians to jointly plan maternity care when women are, or are thinking about, declining recommended maternity care.
These resources were requested by consumers and clinicians at the 2016 Statewide Maternity Summit. The development of these resources was jointly led by a consumer and an obstetrician, and in collaboration with a large working group of consumers, obstetricians, midwives and other multi-disciplinary (including legal) professionals. In addition to input from the working group, consumers and clinicians from across Queensland were also invited to give feedback.
In 2019, the resources were piloted in seven Queensland maternity services. The resources were refined at each stage of development and have been endorsed by the Queensland Statewide Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network for use in Queensland public maternity services.
Guideline for women and clinicians
This guideline is intended to support the relationship between women and clinicians through good communication and partnerships.
Information for women (consumers)
The information in the links below will help you understand the process of declining recommended maternity care and your rights.
- Recommended maternity care - it's your decision
- Recommended maternity care - what happens after you decline
- Clinical form: consumer information
Clinical forms for women and clinicians
These forms can be filled out by both women and clinicians in partnership.
- Clinical form: consumer information
- Discussion and Partnership Care Plan: Declining Recommended Maternity Care (print version)
- Discussion and Partnership Care Plan: Declining Recommended Maternity Care (desktop/mobile version)
- Additional Page (print version)
- Additional Page (desktop/mobile version)
For the interactive desktop/mobile version of the form, your device will need to have Adobe installed. The free Adobe Reader app may need to be downloaded on your phone. The interactive form may not work in Firefox. Edge, Chrome and Safari are the preferred browsers.
Flowcharts
- Partnering with the woman who declines recommended maternity care
- Emergent situation and/or labour: Partnering with the woman who is declining recommended maternity care that has not previously been discussed
Further information
Acknowledgement
Queensland Health would like to thank the consumers, clinicians, other professionals, and the trial sites (Bundaberg, Emerald, Hervey Bay, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Royal Brisbane and Women's, and Thursday Island Hospitals) for contributing to the development of these resources.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to submit feedback, please email: PSQIS_Comms@health.qld.gov.au
