Allison Cummins

Key research areas/interests: Qualitative, midwifery, continuity of care

Principal Supervisor: Caroline Homer

Summary of research project

'Enabling New Graduate Midwives to work in Midwifery Continuity of Care models'

Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?

It was the perfect place to pursue my interest in Midwifery continuity of care and the possibility of improving professional development for new graduate midwives.

What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project?

It is likely that most new graduate midwives will have to undergo years of experience before attaining a position in the midwifery continuity of care program. Ideally, my research will provide evidence to enable midwives easier admission and partnerships to further their careers. It also aims to challenge and develop some of the current practices that are based on little to no evidence. In a broader sense, my research will provide a basis for further exploration as there is no current research on the topic in Australia.

Who will benefit from your research?

New graduate midwives will benefit from being able to work across a larger midwifery scope of practice / larger scope of midwifery practice? (as per the international definition of a midwife), strengthening the value of continuity of care models and increasing staff for Australian hospital and health services.

In turn, women will benefit from greater access to better midwives in better continuity care programs.

How did you go about selecting your supervisor?

I selected Professor Caroline Homer based on her previous research in midwifery continuity of care and interest in the field.  Not only is she published extensively, but she has great mentoring skills and a great work ethic when undertaking research.

What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?

Investigate a topic that you are not only passionate about but also certain further research will make a lasting, positive and impressionable impact.