New online resource: Effective communication in neonatal services
Effective communication in neonatal services is a new online resource from the network and ACI’s Integrated Digital Enablement Accelerator (IDEA) team. The resource aims to improve experiences and outcomes for patients, families and healthcare workers in neonatal services by supporting staff to enhance communication. Created in consultation with consumers and staff, the guide includes advice, tools and resources that staff can use to help them communicate effectively with families and carers – both in person and using virtual care – at every stage of the neonatal care journey, from admission to transfer of services.
New clinical practice guide: Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in newborns
This new guide provides guidance on recognition, monitoring and early management of newborns with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), who may benefit from therapeutic hypothermia (cooling). It replaces the NSW Health Policy Directive PD2010 006: Whole Body Cooling – Neonates Suspected Moderate or Severe Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE). The guide contains:
- general principles of management of newborns at risk of HIE
- clinical management of newborns with HIE
- care of the family
- reporting processes.
Tools for clinicians included in the guide include:
- Newborn Encephalopathy Pathway
- Assessment of Encephalopathy Severity Tool
- Therapeutic Hypothermia (‘Cooling’) Pathway
- Reporting process for newborns with moderate or severe encephalopathy
A Parent Information Sheet and Evidence Check have also been published in conjunction with the guide.