HEA3227 – Examination of the Newborn

Overview

This course is designed to equip you with the skills to independently undertake the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE), in line with the NHS NIPE screening programme standards. You will be comprehensively prepared to carry out the examination and will develop your understanding of the underlying evidence-based practice. You will also be prepared to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, recognising deviations from the norm and making appropriate onward referrals. Our expert team will also help you to develop your communication skills and support you to provide important public health information to the families you care for.

Module code:	HEA3227
Level:	6
Module credits:	20

If your tuition fee is being paid by a sponsor or you are a sponsor paying a student’s fee, you are required to send a copy of a purchase order to [email protected].

For further guidance please visit: Sponsored students – Edge Hill University

Who is this module for?

This module is designed for healthcare practitioners who wish to develop the knowledge, skills and competence required to undertake the examination of the newborn. The approved specification identifies registered midwives, GMC-registered doctors, health visitors and nurses, as well as student midwives and doctors working towards registered status.

It is particularly relevant to practitioners seeking to develop an extended role in newborn examination and enhance their ability to recognise deviations from normal, initiate appropriate referral and contribute to effective management of conditions affecting newborn infants.

Please note that you need to be employed or have access to a suitable practice environment and practice with supervisors and assessors in order to undertake this module. If you have any questions about this, please contact the module lead.

What are the key aims of the module?

The module aims to prepare healthcare practitioners to undertake the extended examination of healthy newborn infants. You will be supported to:

• develop knowledge of neonatal anatomy, physiology and pathology;
• develop skills in observation, palpation and auscultation;
• recognise deviations from normal and support early detection of abnormality or acute illness;
• understand prompt referral and appropriate management of conditions affecting newborns;
• reflect critically on professional autonomy and accountability;
• and develop competence in systematic physical examination of the newborn.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through a practical portfolio/record log. The practical assessment is weighted at 100% and is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Clinical/practical assessment
You will complete 25 newborn assessments and five critical reflections, recorded within a portfolio or record log. The 25th assessment is summatively assessed by a practitioner identified in the module specification, such as a Consultant Paediatrician, EON midwife, ANNP or GP.

The specification also states that students are expected to observe and undertake a minimum of 25 clinical examinations of the newborn, recorded in their log to support development of their portfolio of evidence.

The clinical examinations must be completed within the module timeframe, and the reflections must be included for the portfolio to pass.

On successful completion you will:

• Critically reflect on the role of the practitioner in relation to professional autonomy and accountability in the field of examination of the newborn.
• Critically apply knowledge to develop competencies in observation, palpation and auscultation in detecting deviations from normal.
• Competently undertake a physical examination of the newborn within the first 6-72 hours after birth.

Study dates and venues

How to apply

Use the University’s current standard CPD/postgraduate application wording and link, together with current information for sponsored students. Do not infer application arrangements from the module specification.

Contact us

For further information about module content, please contact
Emma Sprawson, Module Leader
[email protected]