The aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively and safely undertake examination of the newborn/ 6-8 week examination. This module is based on the NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Programme and is a screening test for abnormalities of the eyes, heart, hips and testes.
This module combines theory with clinical practice offering the student the opportunity to explore and develop the role of the examination of the newborn and how it can be enhanced. The module focuses on the biological and social sciences upon which the practitioner can develop infant/family management plans and evaluate the outcomes of their interventions.
It is essential that you acquire a practice supervisor/assessor who can support your learning and assess your practice. There is a requirement for students to pass the qualificatory practice element and successfully complete the accompanying competency profile in order to be awarded the Examination of the Newborn award.
Graduate destinations
This module can be studied as part of the PgC Practice Development: Midwifery.
Course outline
Course summary
The indicative course content will cover the principles of screening. Complications of Pregnancy - effects upon foetal development / wellbeing Adaptation to extra-uterine life of systems Neonatal physiology, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Nervous system, Gastrointestinal system, Skeletal, Reproductive, Immunological, Endocrine, Congenital abnormalities, Gestational assessment methods. Procedure and application of practical examination skills
Qualificatory Practice: You will develop the knowledge and understanding to underpin skill development in the clinical area. Clinically based practice will include screening for congenital cardiac defects, developmental dysplasia of the hip, some ocular disorders (including congenital cataract), and undescended testes as well as a general physical examination.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical analysis and synthesis of the principles of screening and the routine newborn and infant physical examination
- Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise the ethical, legal and professional issues underpinning examination of the newborn
- Competently undertake the physical examination of the newborn/6-8 week old infant including screening for congenital abnormalities such as cardiac defects, developmental dysplasia of the hips, ocular disorders (including congenital cataracts) and undescended testes
- Critically analyse how learning from this module has transformed your understanding of your practice
To complete the practice component of the module, you will:
- Demonstrate achievement of the work-based competencies as detailed in the competence profile
- Identify your own learning needs in liaison with your clinical facilitator
- Demonstrate skill acquisition of the identified clinical and professional skills
- Reflect on your progress in practice
- Explore learning opportunities in relation to your identified learning needs
Indicative core bibliography
- Baston, H. (2017) Examination of the newborn : a practical guide /. Third edition. Edited by H. Durward. London :: Routledge, p. xvii, 248 pages
- Hall, M. (2009) A foundation for neonatal care : a multi-disciplinary guide /. Edited by Michael Hall, A. Noble, and S. Smith. Oxford :: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.
- Lomax, A. (ed.) (2021) Examination of the newborn : an evidence-based guide . Third edition. Hoboken, NJ, USA :: Wiley Blackwell, p. xvii, 238 pages :
- Lumsden, H. (2010) Care of the newborn by ten teachers. Edited by D. Holmes and H. Lumsden. London :: Hodder Arnold, p. 1 online resource (206 p.).
- Tappero, E.P. and Honeyfield, M.E. (eds.) (2018) Physical assessment of the newborn : a comprehensive approach to the art of physical examination /. Sixth edition. New York, NY :: Springer Publishing Company,.
Modules
Programme Specification
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.
Selection criteria
This module is designed for midwives, neonatal nurses and health visitors wishing to enhance their practice in Examination of the Newborn.
To be eligible to study this module, students must demonstrate the ability to study at this level and commit to attempting the assessment.
When taken as part of a specific named award, the module content and assessment must be focussed towards the subject of that award.
Practical component of assessment is completion of a work based learning competency profile related to examination of the newborn. The completed competency profile must be submitted as proof of practice competency.
For successful completion of this module, students must pass all practical skills assessments including the NIPE (2008) standards and competencies. Students must participate in the formative components of the module in order to successfully pass the module.
Application information
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