ABSTRACT
Although the purpose of the first examination of the newborn is to confirm normality, there are some potentially life-threatening conditions, such as some forms of congenital heart disease, that are not evident in the first 24 hours of the baby’s life and which therefore would not be detected (MacKeith 1995). When the practitioner performing this clinical examination of the baby is new to the role, it is likely that she will have some concerns about the risk of litigation in the event of an abnormality being missed. For example, what is the legal position of a practitioner who does not detect a congenital condition in a baby during the first examination of the newborn? It is therefore essential that this examination is performed with competence and an appreciation of the practitioner’s accountability. Practitioners must recognise and acknowledge the responsibility that they carry (Michaelides 1997). The aim of this chapter, therefore, is to acknowledge the role and responsi-
bilities of practitioners who undertake the first examination of the newborn and to remind them of their professional, legal and employment accountability. The main focus of the second half of the chapter is to illustrate how the practitioner can take positive steps to increase the effectiveness of the first examination of the newborn, and it includes issues such as gaining and maintaining competence. Before these concepts are explored it is important that practitioners appreciate the role of the various members of the multidisciplinary team who have had responsibility for the first examination of the newborn.
