Incorporating the Physical Examination of the Newborn into

Incorporating the Physical Examination of the Newborn into the Pre-registration Midwifery Programme Lyn Dolby, Senior Lecturer: Midwifery Lead: Examination of the Newborn School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire

Background • Examination of the Newborn - an established post registration module since 1994 • Discussion commenced in 2010 Directors of Service and Education meeting • Evaluation of the existing pre-registration programme

• Collaboration with stakeholders to meet local service demands • Initial research: Why some midwives chose to stop conducting the examination of the newborn

Current Pre-registration Midwifery Programmes • Validated Feb. 2012 – incorporating Examination of the Newborn within both three year and 18 month programmes • Alludes to the expectations of Midwifery 2020 • Aims to achieve the existing high standards of the post-reg. module within the new pre-reg. modules • Recognises the differing student/programme needs and the impact on practice staff • Increased number of trained academic staff • Continuation of Practice staff updates

Point to Consider UH Staff preparation & support Curriculum Planning Equipment Exam of the Newborn & family centred care Paediatric support Audit & Research Collaboration with practice partners

Student Learning & Assessment • Student learning - practice based, underpinned with on-line activities and classroom workshops / key lectures • Degree level modules across all three programmes, plus both 18 month and postregistration students can access masters level • Summative assessment – Professional discussion (includes practical assessment)

Looking Ahead … • On-going monitoring, evaluation and research 2 year study on the implications of integrating this initiative on the student and NIPE practitioner • Expansion of the Newborn Forum

References / Bibliography • Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (2010) Maternity Clinical Risk Management Standards. London. NHS Litigation Authority. March 2010/11 • Department of Health (2009) The Healthy Child Programme. Pregnancy and the First Five Years of Life. London. Department for Children, Schools and Families • Midwifery 2020 Programme (2010) Midwifery 2020: Delivering Expectations. Available at: www. midwifery 2020. org • UK National Screening Committee (2008) Newborn and Infant Physical Examinations: Standards & Competencies. National Screening Committee. March