WHAT IS THE ALSO COURSE?

The ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics) Course is a theoretical and practical course designed to assist midwives, obstetricians, general practitioners and other health professionals develop and maintain the knowledge and practical skills required to manage emergencies that may arise in maternity care.

The course originated in the USA in 1991, and is owned by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). In January 2001 the first group of ALSO instructors for the region were trained in Canberra. Since then over 100 courses have been held in Australia & New Zealand, teaching over 4000 maternity care professionals.

The ALSO course has been adapted to meet the needs of thousands of practitioners across the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Haiti, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the People's Republic of China, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

The philosophy behind ALSO is that women and their families will benefit from the standardised, multidisciplinary approach to maternity care demonstrated during the course. The ALSO course is not aligned with any one professional institution, and is run in New Zealand on a not-for-profit basis.

All maternity practitioners know that there are many safe and acceptable ways of dealing with different emergency situations. The procedures and approaches covered in the ALSO course are reasonable, consistent and evidence-based which enable everyone to not only identify those at risk of obstetric emergencies but also to manage emergencies when they arise.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE ALSO COURSE?

The course benefits not only midwives, general practitioners and obstetricians but everyone who provides maternity care. One of the great strengths of ALSO is its multidisciplinary nature – networking and socialising are viewed as key components in promoting the collaboration, good communication and inter-professional trust required to improve outcomes for women and their babies.

WHAT ARE THE ALSO COURSE OBJECTIVES?

Participants who successfully complete the course will be able to

Manage emergencies during pregnancy in an evidence-based manner.

Recognise the value of multidisciplinary working in maternity care.

Pass the written and practical examinations at the end of the course.

WHAT IS THE ALSO COURSE LIKE?

The ALSO programme starts with a large evidence-based Manual which should be read thoroughly before the weekend course itself.  The actual course lasts for two days, with a mixture of lectures, case scenarios and hands-on workstations with life-like mannequins. Mnemonics are used to prompt appropriate responses in emergency situations. The usual ratio of participants to instructors in New Zealand is 4:1. The course ends with a written and practical examination, and a certificate is only awarded if both parts of the examination are completed successfully (pass mark 70% in each).  Click here for photos from courses.

WHAT DOES THE ALSO COURSE COVER?

The material covered by the course manual is updated regularly as new (evidence-based) practice information becomes available. Topics currently included are:

     

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE?

The fee includes:

the extensive Manual, 2 days of training on the course, lunch on both days, with tea and coffee breaks, and the Saturday evening course dinner.

It does not include accommodation or breakfast.

WHO RECOGNISES THE COURSE?

The ALSO course is recognised for 16 PR & CRM points by the Royal Australasian College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.

Successful completion of the ALSO course is approved and allocated 20 points for elective approved education in the re-certification programme of the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.  The programme requires 40 points to be achieved during a three year period.  Attendance at the course is allocated 15 points.

Candidates are reminded that detailed knowledge of the course manual is necessary to ensure satisfactory completion of the examination at the course.