What a delight to read this informative but practical book aimed at student midwives undertaking Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) at undergraduate level. Its ease of access and practical application would make it a useful resource for all NIPE students and a refresher for those currently practising.
The holistic approach taken throughout the book is in-keeping with the ever-expanding public health role of the midwife and the philosophy of continuity of carer.
There is a clear background that sets the context and the current debate as to who is best positioned to carry out this examination. A further brief but effective chapter, ‘Communication skills in health care’ reminds readers of key communication principals, which are applied to the examination scenario throughout, ensuring that parent-centred care is at the focus of both caregiving and educational oportunities.
The importance of factors in maternal history that may affect fetal development is reviewed in a subsequent chapter, although investigating development in more depth may have enhanced this further. Tools shared in this chapter will be important for performing a safe and thorough examination.
Each clinical chapter is preceded by key outcomes, enhanced by useful practice points and reflective exercises. The initial chapter on physical examination is detailed, and could act as a recap or enhance learning. The style of writing here is particularly useful for learners, giving lots of guides about how to best elicit the examination findings, apply them and include them in conversation with parents in order to enhance the development of their relationship with the newborn. The chapter that encompasses the key screening components, ‘The physical examination: a step-by-step approach’, is thorough, with diagrams and tables used to good effect to enhance the text and understanding, particularly of the more complex issues, such as cardiac screening. Each part of this chapter is written by subject experts and contain the level of detail required to underpin each of the screening components.
‘Each clinical chapter is preceded by key outcomes, enhanced by useful practice points and reflective exercises’
The idea to include a further detailed chapter on congenital abnormalities is a good one and it enables greater knowledge of the most common abnormalities, widening this book's appeal to a range of practitioners, including children's nurses. Referral patterns and follow-up are all explored, alongside additional resources that will aid learning and help parents.
The book finishes with a review of professional issues and responsibilities of the NIPE practitioner. These are also evident throughout the book and further reiteration in this chapter should crystallise thinking and offer a positive promotion of the midwife and nurse undertaking this role. The second examination at 6–8 weeks is briefly reviewed, with examination of the importance of this as part of the continual screening process and the differences that the NIPE practitioner should consider as the baby develops.
This book should be essential reading for all NIPE students, and is an evidence-based resource that is reader friendly and firmly embedded in practice realities.