Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the gestational development of the embryo and foetus, including the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems of the neonate's body, the risk factors that may disrupt the optimal development of the embryo and foetus then apply this knowledge to each individualised examination of the neonate.
• Critically analyse the research literature relating to examination and screening of the neonate and related evidence-based care e.g. HSE (2018 Newborn Clinical Examination Handbook; NICE (2021) Postnatal Care Clinical Guideline, NHS England (2025) Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) standards.
• Competently perform a systematic and complete physical examination and screening of the neonate which demonstrates in-depth knowledge of normal neonatal physiology, and the commonly occurring conditions and abnormalities that are screened for.
• Document clearly and refer all identified deviations from the norm in the neonate to the appropriate personnel/service for follow-up as per the recommended timelines and local/national PPPGs.
• Evaluate and reflect upon the legal, ethical and professional issues relating to examination & screening of the neonate and advocating for holistic midwifery care and management in addition to identifying particular family issues and providing the appropriate professional, psychological and social support.
• Both critically evaluate and promote the enhanced/expanding role of the midwife in the examination & screening of the neonate.
Indicative Module Content:
Professional and ethical issues for midwives including autonomy, multidisciplinary working, and maintaining competence in an expanded scope of midwifery practice;
Assessing the perinatal history- confirming neonatal wellbeing and screeing for risk factors or red flags for deterioration or congential disorders;
Assessment of neonatal behaviour including responses to stimuli, crying sound & pattern, and feeding;
Knowledge of healthy term neonatal anatomy and physiology required to conduct the complete (detailed) head-to-toe physical examination & screening of the neonate that includes:
Physiology & assessment of the Head, Eyes (including screening for congenital cataracts), Ears, Nose, Mouth & Palate, and Neck;
Physiology & assessment of the neonatal cardiovascular system (including screening for congential cardiac defects);
Physiology & assessment of the neonatal respiratory system;
Physiology & assessment of the skin and musculoskeletal systems (including screening of the hips for DDH);
Physiology & assessment of the genitourinary system (including screening for undescended testes);
Physiology & assessment of the gastrointestinal system;
Physiology & assessment of the genitourinary system;
Physiology & assessment of the neurologic system (including assessment of newborn primitive reflexes);
Physiology & assessment of normal transiton to extrauterine life including monitoring for physiological jaundice;
Growth monitoring, plotting, and interpretation of anthropometric measurements (measurement and recording of weight, head circumference, and length);
Provision of neonatal health and care advice (including provision of advice on recognising signs & symptoms of illness/deterioration), assessment of infant mental health, and discharge planning from the maternity unit/service (including confirming arrangements for newborn bloodspot and hearing screening).