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, PHE (2021) Newborn and Infant Physical Examination-NIPE standards.
• Competently perform a systematic and complete physical examination & 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:
Registration, Library, Module Support, Review EoNCAT, Clinical Supervision, and Reflective Log documents;
National & International PPPGs for ESoN (examination & screening of the neoante);
Embryology, First 12 weeks gestation, Organogenesis;
Sensory systems- Ear and Ophthalmic Disorders, Eye Examination- theory & practice;
Revision of Basic Cardiac A&P; Cardiovascular System- Foetal & Neonatal, Congenital Heart Disease, CHD Screening
Workshop Cardiac Auscultation: Heart sounds, Murmurs
Gastrointestinal Disorders, Urogenital Disorders, Examination of the Abdomen including genitalia, anus, Screening for Undescended Testes;
Soft structure abnormalities: Talipes, birth injury, torticollis, plagiocephaly;
Skin and Musculo-skeletal systems; Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips- theory & practice; Common Musculo-skeletal and Skin Disorders;
Examination of the naso- and oropharynx: Identification of Cleft lip & palate; Feeding, Referral Pathways; Tongue Tie Assessment, Identification, Management & Referral Pathway.
Detection, Care, Management & Referral of the Unwell Baby- Jaundice, Infection, Feeding Difficulties, Red Flag Signs & Symptoms;
Neurological system- Examination of primitive reflexes; Neurological Disorders;
Assessing for Genetic/Chromosomal Conditions;
Assessing for Major and Minor structural/congenital disorders;
ESoN- Referral Pathways, Accountability, Scope of Practice; Ethical & Legal Considerations;
Workshop on Integrative, Holistic Examination of the Newborn, Infant Mental Health, Discharge Planning.