MW2201: Newborn complications

Course description

This course focuses on the recognition, management, and prevention of common complications that occur during the neonatal period. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to identify newborn danger signs, provide first-line care, and initiate timely referral when needed. The course emphasizes evidence-based practices in handling neonatal conditions such as prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal infections, jaundice, birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, and feeding difficulties. Students will integrate theory and clinical practice to ensure safe and effective care for at-risk and sick newborns.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the causes, risk factors, and clinical features of common newborn complications.
2. Perform comprehensive assessment and monitoring of high-risk and sick newborns.
3. Provide appropriate immediate and ongoing care for complications such as birth asphyxia, prematurity, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and neonatal infections.
4. Demonstrate skills in neonatal resuscitation and emergency newborn care.
5. Educate families on prevention, early recognition, and home care of common neonatal problems.
6. Apply infection prevention and safety protocols in the care of sick newborns.
7. Initiate timely referral and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in newborn management.

Required Materials:

1. Core Textbooks & References: Managing Newborn Problems: A Guide for Doctors, Nurses, and Midwives
2. Lecture & Study Materials
3. Skills Lab Equipment
4. Student Learning Materials
5. Assessment Tools