Instruments measuring practitioner performance of the complete examination and screening of neonates: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim The complete examination and screening of the neonate is a recommended assessment of neonatal well‐being conducted by appropriately trained medical, midwifery and nursing personnel at specific intervals during the first 6‐week post‐birth. Our aim was to identify and critically evaluate instruments that measure practitioner performance of this important assessment of neonatal health. Methods Using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology, a systematic review was undertaken. Results Four studies were identified as suitable for data extraction and analysis. This paper briefly describes the four instruments, discusses and compares the COSMIN analysis and ratings of each instrument. A recommendation for the instrument identified as the most suitable to measure practitioner performance is provided. Conclusion Most instruments were designed by educators to measure the performance of practitioners developing competence in the complete examination and screening of the neonate. Further development and piloting of instruments designed to measure the performance and continuing competence of qualified practitioners of the newborn examination are required.

Procedural elements of the complete examination and screening of the healthy term neonate: a protocol for a scoping review and evidence map

“…Optimal performance of the procedural elements of the CESoN is important, particularly the screening elements, given the reality that suboptimal technique may result in delayed diagnosis and initiation of treatment for progressive congenital disorders. 1 6 7 A 2023 systematic review 8 identified an instrument 9 developed to measure the quality of performance of the CESoN by qualified healthcare professionals.…”