CHS18 Undertake a newborn hearing screen

Overview

This standard covers undertaking the screening of hearing in new born infants. This screening might take place in a variety of settings, including hospital, the baby’s home, a clinic or a Health Visitor’s surgery, GP surgery or audiology clinic. It will involve the use of specific equipment, and the liaison with parents, other staff and health professionals. Because of the nature of the investigation this function will only be undertaken by designated individuals who must always work within agreed protocols. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to undertaking a newborn hearing screen
2. Your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and Clinical/Corporate Governance
3. The duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
4. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
5. The importance of applying standard precautions and the potential consequences of poor practice
6. The following regarding consent:
1. the concept of informed choice
2. rationale for consent and who can give it
3. valid consent and parental responsibility
7. Your role in the maintenance of a safe environment
8. Security issues relevant to the newborn hearing screening process and care of the newborn
9. The general rationale behind screening programmes
10. The typical interventions for children with hearing impairment
11. The appropriate use of interpreters
12. The structure of the ear and physiology of hearing
13. Common types and causes of hearing impairment
14. What is a family history and how to obtain it
15. The value of new born hearing screening for the baby and family
16. The roles of others directly involved at the identification and management of a child diagnosed with hearing impairment
17. All personnel involved in the general care and support of newborn babies and parent/s
18. The Deaf Community in terms of potentially differing expectations and language use
19. The equipment required in terms of function and maintenance
20. The screening protocols
21. The equipment protocols
22. What screening is and the limitations of screening
23. The newborn hearing screening process
24. The possible outcomes of screens and how you will deal with these
25. The next stages of the screening, including referral, if no clear responses are obtained
26. Why you must document all details, including outcomes
27. Why and how you maintain confidentiality
28. Family-friendly issues
29. The information provided for the procedure
30. How and when to use the information
31. The importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. obtain all the necessary information about the mother and baby before approaching the parent/s
2. check the individuals’ identity and the confirm the planned activity
3. check whether it is appropriate/convenient to undertake the screen with the appropriate staff, where necessary
4. check that it is convenient to conduct the screen with the parent(s) and establish a rapport with the baby’s parents in order to give reassurance and to gain their trust and confidence
5. introduce the newborn hearing screening and check if it is convenient with the parent/s to discuss the screen and try to establish a rapport, establishing your identity
6. provide parent/s with all information, including:
1. an explanation of the procedure
2. why it is being offered
3. steps involved in the screening process
4. any potential further action
7. answer any questions about the screen as promptly as possible within your role, knowledge and responsibilities
8. refer all questions outside your responsibility or knowledge, or any concerns you may have in relation to the mother and babies health and wellbeing, to a relevant member of staff immediately
9. obtain valid consent/decline from the parent(s) following agreed protocols:
1. for the screening to take place
2. for data access and transfer
10. ensure security, privacy and quiet as much as possible when the screen is taking place
11. handle the baby in a comfortable and safe manner at all times
12. ensure the baby’s clothing is adjusted as appropriate before and after the  screening
13. screen the baby’s hearing using the equipment and screen protocols appropriately
14. accurately document all appropriate parent and baby details, including screen outcomes when completed, in the appropriate records, including IT systems where used,  maintaining confidentiality at all times
15. inform the parent(s) what is happening throughout the procedure where possible and involve them throughout the procedure as appropriate
16. give appropriate information to parents at the end of the procedure and remind them of the next steps in the process
17. follow the appropriate procedures when you have obtained the results from the screen for:
1. clear responses from both ears
2. no clear responses from one or both ears
3. follow procedures for follow-up appointments as required

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning This standard has replaced HCS_AUD2.