Scottish Neonatal Pre-Transport Care Course Background
This Scottish Neonatal Pre-Transport course was developed under the auspices of the Scottish Neonatal Transport Service in collaboration with the Scottish Multiprofessional Maternity Development Programme (SMMDP).
Following the successful development of the Scottish Neonatal Resuscitation Course candidates, particularly from the remoter parts of
Scotland
, expressed a desire for further training in the care of a baby in a pre-transport situation. Even with a modern responsive neonatal transport service it can take 3-4 hours for the retrieval team to reach a referring unit. As described above the resultant course is therefore a combined initiative by senior neonatal professionals in
Scotland
from service and education and the SMMDP.
The course has been developed to provide standardised training for healthcare professionals working in community maternity care settings, including midwives, general practitioners, ambulance personnel, and accident and emergency unit staff. It prepares participants to offer safe and effective care of babies in the pre-transport period by giving them the theoretical basis and the opportunity to develop the practical skills that may be required. The knowledge and skills gained during the course will prepare participants to provide ongoing neonatal care following initial resuscitation and prior to transfer.
The course lasts one day and consists of lectures, skill stations, and problem-solving scenarios. There is no formal testing during or after the course; however, constructive feedback on individual performance will be given throughout the day. It is expected that the participant will comply with any recommendations for remedial learning or experience and it is the professional responsibility of all participants to maintain their competence in consultation with their managers if appropriate.
Successful completion of the requirements of the Scottish Neonatal Pre-Transport Course does not guarantee ongoing competence in pre-transport care of the baby. This can only be assessed by senior/competent staff in the community maternity care settings in which the participants work.