Guidance

Annual learning framework guidance

Published 6 June 2022

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/newborn-and-infant-physical-examination-annual-learning-framework/annual-learning-framework-guidance

1. Overview

The NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) screening programme has produced the NIPE annual learning framework to support NIPE screening practitioners undertaking the NIPE newborn screening examination, to record and maintain their knowledge, understanding and skills in NIPE screening.

NIPE screening practitioners should complete the annual learning framework to:

  • demonstrate evidence of lifelong learning and continuing professional development
  • keep up to date with national NIPE programme standards, clinical guidance and programme changes
  • enable local providers to demonstrate quality assurance across their NIPE screening programme
  • promote consistency in practice across all disciplines (medical, midwifery and nursing)

The annual learning framework is intended to be used by qualified NIPE practitioners as defined in section 12 of the NIPE screening programme handbook and a nominated confirmer. It is not a requirement for the nominated confirmer to be NIPE qualified due to the nature of the framework, but NIPE trained colleagues can also fulfil this role. The tool may also be used by NIPE practitioners in primary care undertaking the NIPE newborn screening examination.

Further information on the requirements and expectations of each of these roles is provided in the ‘requirements and expectations’ section of this guidance.

2. Recommendations

The following 3 elements of the framework are recommended to be completed annually:

  • NIPE e-learning module
  • Discussion of national standards, clinical pathways, training and education resources
  • attendance at a local NIPE update session

The following elements are recommended. However, the requirement to complete these, or the frequency of completion, can be determined by local agreement:

  • NIPE working in partnership: visits to specialist clinics or multidisciplinary discussions or meetings
  • NIPE reflection: reflective discussion or personal reflective account

Components of the framework can be completed throughout the year as opportunities arise. However, a final sign off should be arranged to review the evidence within the framework and acknowledge that local requirements have been met.

3. Requirements and expectations

This section sets out the requirements and expectations for qualified NIPE screening practitioners and confirmers.

3.1 NIPE screening practitioner requirements

The NIPE screening practitioner must:

  • hold a professional qualification (General Medical Council (GMC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registered, or a physician’s associate)
  • be a fully qualified and practicing NIPE screening practitioner as defined in section 12 of the NIPE screening programme handbook

3.2 NIPE screening practitioner expectations

The NIPE screening practitioner must meet the following expectations.

Professional responsibility

NIPE screening practitioners have a professional responsibility to keep up to date and maintain their skills in relation to the NIPE newborn screening examination. This includes engaging in continuous professional development.

3.3 Confirmer requirements

The nominated confirmer must hold a professional qualification (GMC or NMC registered, or a physician’s associate)

3.4 Confirmer expectations

The nominated confirmer must meet the following expectations.

Impartiality

Confirmers must offer impartiality when completing the framework, avoiding any conflicts of interest.

Equality

Confirmers must approach the completion of the framework without regard to the race, religion, nationality, gender, or seniority of the NIPE screening practitioner.

Confidentiality

Confirmers must maintain confidentiality and refrain from sharing information with anyone not involved in the learning framework. Local pathways should be in place for escalation of any concerns regarding the practice of the NIPE screening practitioner.

Approach

Confirmers must remain constructive and supportive throughout the process of completing the framework.

4. Annual learning framework components

The NHS NIPE e-learning module is aimed at health care professionals who undertake NIPE screening in the NHS in England, and have qualified as a NIPE practitioner (see the NIPE screening programme handbook for more information on the requirements to be a NIPE practitioner).

It covers the 4 screening elements of the physical examination:

  • eyes
  • heart
  • hips
  • testes (males)

Completion of the e-learning module should be annual.

As a useful addition to formal training, the module uses film and animation to illustrate screening pathways and good clinical practice.

You must register on e-Learning for Healthcare to access the module.

The checklist provided within the framework can be used to ensure that the NIPE screening practitioner has good working knowledge of the wider NIPE screening programme including:

Screening practitioners should be familiar with accessing the national programme information in order to keep up to date with programme changes.

This section of the framework should be used to record attendance at a local NIPE update session, which is recommended annually in the NIPE screening programme handbook.

It can also be used to record other NIPE-related study days or self-directed learning as evidence of continuing professional development. Examples of what could be documented include:

  • attendance at local NIPE annual updates (recommended annually) – to include theoretical and/or practical aspects of the examination
  • attendance at local, regional or national meetings in relation to the NIPE screening programme
  • attendance at SMaRT4NIPE (S4N) national IT system training or update sessions
  • self-directed research or reading in relation to NIPE
  • sessions arranged with the local screening coordinator to gain more insight and understanding of the NIPE programme standards, KPIs, data gathering or failsafe processes
  • participation in NIPE audit – including local audits and/or the national NIPE screening programme checks and audit document

Safe and efficient referral pathways into local specialist care following screen positive findings are essential to the NIPE screening programme.

Successful pathways depend on effective multidisciplinary working and effective inter-departmental communication. This section of the framework can be used to support local relationships and to help NIPE screening practitioners develop a wider overview of the screening programme beyond the examination itself. This includes the importance of ensuring a referral outcome is recorded (where appropriate) to close the screening loop.

The NIPE screening practitioner can document:

  • visits to specialist clinics in relation to the NIPE screen including hip ultrasound, paediatric cardiology clinic, paediatric ophthalmology clinic and neonatal consultant follow-up clinics
  • attendance at local screening operational boards where issues relating to the local NIPE screening programme are discussed
  • involvement in multidisciplinary discussions or meetings in relation to findings from the NIPE screen

The NIPE annual learning framework provides an opportunity for NIPE screening practitioners to complete an annual reflection in relation to a NIPE screen they have completed.

The NMC, the GMC and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) recognise the importance of reflective practice in identifying gaps in knowledge or skills and preventing similar issues or incidents from happening again.

Themes from the NMC documents have been used in the reflection section of the framework, including:

  • describing the event
  • identifying what the practitioner would change or improve next time
  • identifying learning points from the experience

An opportunity for the NIPE screening practitioner to recognise what they have done well is also included, as this can be an important step in identifying and embedding good practice. This may be a result of personal reflection or based on feedback from other people (for example, a peer reviewer highlighting good practice)

5. Annual final sign-off

The annual final sign-off should be used as an opportunity for the NIPE screening practitioner and confirmer to review the evidence within the framework and acknowledge that the annual recommendations, plus any local requirements, have been met.

Any matters which are unresolved or require further escalation should be dealt with locally as agreed by the organisation.

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