The 2020 Rourke Baby Record release: A time for reflection and looking forward

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• The Rourke Baby Record (RBR) is a vital health supervision guide in Canada for children aged 0-5 years.
• First developed in 1979, the RBR has undergone regular revisions to maintain its currency and evidence base.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the Rourke Baby Record (RBR) as a cornerstone of Canadian child health supervision.
• To highlight the integration of current Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) evidence into the 2020 RBR edition.
• To introduce planned digital and adapted resources for enhanced clinical care provision.

Main Methods:

• The RBR guide is informed by the expertise of the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).
• The 2020 edition incorporates recommendations derived from current CPS position statements.
• Future development includes app-based resources and an adapted RBR for pandemic-era clinical practice.

Main Results:

• The RBR guide is regularly updated to reflect current evidence-based practices.
• The 2020 RBR edition integrates numerous recommendations from CPS position statements.
• The RBR Working Group is actively developing new digital tools and adapted formats.

Conclusions:

• The Rourke Baby Record (RBR) remains a critical, evidence-informed tool for Canadian child health supervision.
• Ongoing revisions and planned digital adaptations ensure the RBR's continued relevance and accessibility.
• These efforts aim to sustain high-quality care for Canadian infants and children, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.