Project information:
Examination of the newborn (Best practice statement)
Key dates
Start date: January 2003
Expected date of publication: January 2004
Key contacts
Project leader: Fiona Dagge-Bell, Senior Midwife (Women and Children)
Project Midwife: Elizabeth M Mansion (on secondment from Fife Acute Hospitals Division)
Aims and objectives
Aim:
To develop a best practice statement (BPS) on “examination of the newborn”
Objectives:
To set out the who, where, when and how of best practice in relation to examination of the newborn.
To identify core competencies and curriculum requirements and possible training materials for Examination of the Newborn.
Project history
The recent overview report of The Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services (EGAMS), ‘Implementing A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland’, December 2002, outlined a number of practice development issues for midwives, ‘Examination of the Newborn’ (1) being one of these:
“Currently this examination is completed by a paediatrician and in some cases a GP. In order to provide a seamless service, midwives (especially in remote areas) should be able to complete the first and discharge examination of the baby. In order to complete the examination the professional must be able to understand the relevance of the examination, examine, assess and identify normality and abnormality and be able to refer appropriately.” (p 46)
In his recently published report Hall, Health for All, (2) states “the professional qualification of the person(s) delivering the various aspects of this programme is less important than the quality of their initial and continuing training, audit and self-monitoring.”
Recent research has reported that mothers are more likely to discuss concerns on related health issues while a midwife is examining their baby, in comparison with a doctor, especially if the midwife is known to her.
A project group and a wider reference group, with both multiprofessionals and user representatives, was set up at the commencement of the project. An initial document was drawn up for consultation and discussion and changes made to this and subsequent drafts as consultation proceeded.
The best practice statement and subsequent training programme applies to any health professional involved in maternity care and may be required to perform the newborn examination.
As at end November 2003, the statement has been formulated and is in the hands of the publishers with a view to being launched with other best practice statements in early 2004.
References:
(1) Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) (2002) Implementing a framework for maternity services in Scotland: overview report of the expert group on acute maternity services (EGAMS Report) The Stationery Office Edinburgh
(2) Hall DMB and Elliman D (2003) Health for all Children 4th edition Oxford Oxford University Press
[Project no: 51]