Examining the newborn: why don't midwives use their skills?

Abstract

A survey by Hayes and colleagues (2003), highlighted that most examinations of the newborn are conducted by paediatricians. This survey identified that two per cent of midwives are trained to examine the newborn, however, a third of this group carry out no examinations at all. This is a qualitative study to establish why some midwives may not continue to practice their skills following successful completion of the neuro-behavioural, physiological assessment of the newborn course (N96). A sample of midwives who completed the N96 course between 1998 and 2004 at the University of Greenwich was selected for this study. A number of midwives interviewed acknowledged a decline and loss of skills, while others identified difficulties in the execution of skills on completing the course. The findings suggest midwives feel they have little control of their workload, lack of recognition of role and lack support from their midwifery manager. These factors may influence the demise of the midwife's opportunity to conduct the examination of the newborn. Midwifery managers may want to consider how midwives can practice their newly acquired skills on completion of the course.