The experience of student midwives being taught newborn infant physical examination (NIPE) as an extracurricular activity at a university in the UK: A descriptive survey study.

Abstract

Although newborn infant physical examination has been part of midwifery practice in the United Kingdom for several decades, very few undergraduate programmes incorporate the theory and practice of newborn examination within the midwifery curriculum. Qualified midwives therefore, often develop this knowledge and these skills as part of their continuous professional development. This paper explores the experience of undergraduate midwifery students being taught newborn infant physical examination knowledge, skills and competencies as an extra-curricular activity alongside qualified midwives. Newly qualified midwives involved with the initiative undertook an online survey which consisted of a mixture of closed and open questions which allowed the expansion of some answers with open text. The qualitative data was explored by thematically analysing the responses. This small study demonstrates the feasibility of providing newborn infant physical examination as an extra-curricular activity to students undertaking a standard undergraduate midwifery programme. All participants agreed that this learning should be undertaken whilst still a student. The benefits identified were for the midwife herself including women and NHS employers. Midwives felt their confidence, knowledge and skills around neonatal issues had increased, women experienced better continuity of care and employers benefited from the increased number of professionals who could undertake this assessment.