National training resources for newborn bloodspot screening

Abstract

Policy decisions to expand newborn screening and support informed choice prompted a review of information for parents and resources to support health professionals. The UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre conducted a needs assessment to identify training needs. We took into account existing reports of training needs as well as conducting our own survey of Midwifery Schools and screening laboratories. Prior evaluations, and our own survey, suggested the need for national resources on newborn bloodspot screening, rather than an additional national training programme. Based on these findings we developed resources that could be used within current training initiatives. These resources are now available to midwifery trainers for use alongside or in place of existing resources, as well as to individual midwives as part of a ‘self-learn’ package.