Table 2 Final content standard

Perinatal post-mortem examination

1. Communicating with families regarding autopsy

To provide information to enable parents to make an informed choice about perinatal autopsy

1. Know the relevant information to provide to parents to enable informed choice about perinatal autopsy.

2. Understand the common barriers to obtaining consent for autopsy and be able to discuss solutions

3. Apply the principles of compassionate communication in this setting

2. Autopsy and placental examination

To describe care of the baby during and after autopsy and demonstrate the process of placental examination

1. Know the indications and the processes required for placental pathology

2. Examine the placenta, cord and membranes systematically

3. Explain the external appearance of a baby after autopsy

Investigation of stillbirths

3. Investigation of perinatal death

To explore the core investigations to be undertaken following a perinatal death

1. Understand the timing, type and reasons for the core investigations for stillbirth

2. Explain the importance of amniocentesis

3. Provide information about the role of non invasive investigations when autopsy is declined

Investigation of neonatal deaths

4. Examination of babies who die in the perinatal period

To demonstrate detailed clinical examination of babies including clinical photographs, measurements and investigations

1. Measure a baby and plot on Australian national birthweight percentiles

2. Examine and use the recommended checklist for examination and investigation of perinatal deaths

3. Know the recommended standardized clinical photographs

Perinatal mortality classification

5. Institutional audit and perinatal mortality classification

To provide an understanding of the purpose of institutional audit and how to use the PSANZ PNM classifications

1. Understand the value of classification of cause of death

Institutional perinatal mortality audit

2. Use the PSANZ classification for perinatal and neonatal death

3. Know the perinatal mortality review process

Psychological and social aspects of perinatal bereavement

6. Psychological and social aspects of perinatal bereavement

To promote the need for support for psychological and social aspects of perinatal bereavement

1. Understand parental responses after experiencing perinatal death

2. Know factors which contribute to the experience and outcomes of bereaved parents

3. Appreciate support roles of different health professionals following perinatal loss