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Instruments measuring practitioner performance of the complete examination and screening of neonates: A systematic
Liz M Greene1,2, Josephine Hegarty1, Rhona O'Connell1
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland.
Insights
This study reviewed tools for assessing practitioner performance in neonatal examinations. Current tools are mostly for training, indicating a need for better assessments for qualified healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Medical education
- Healthcare quality assessment
Background:
- The complete examination and screening of the neonate is crucial for assessing neonatal well-being.
- This assessment is performed by trained medical, midwifery, and nursing personnel post-birth.
- Evaluating practitioner performance in this assessment is essential for ensuring quality care.
Approach:
- A systematic review was conducted using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology.
- Four studies containing relevant instruments were identified for data extraction and analysis.
- The identified instruments were described, and their COSMIN analysis and ratings were compared.
Key Points:
- Four instruments were evaluated for their suitability in measuring practitioner performance of the complete neonatal examination.
- Most instruments were developed by educators to assess developing competence.
- The COSMIN methodology provided a framework for critically evaluating the measurement properties of these instruments.
Conclusions:
- Existing instruments are primarily designed for educational purposes to measure developing competence.
- Further development and piloting of instruments are needed to accurately measure the performance and continuing competence of qualified practitioners.
- A recommendation for the most suitable instrument for measuring practitioner performance is provided in the full paper.
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.
