About the Course
Hypothermia
(low body temperature) is a common problem in newborns and is associated with
high morbidity and mortality. Key management includes simple, safe and evidence-based
practices such as skin-to-skin care (SSC) (or Kangaroo mother care). In this
module we discuss the basic physiology of newborn temperature regulation, and the
assessment, management and prevention of hypothermia in neonates.
Learning Objectives
Once you have completed this module, you should be able to:
- Define hypothermia and discuss the process of thermoregulation in newborns,
- Perform an assessment of a newborn with low temperature, noting the signs, consequences and possible cause of hypothermia,
- Explain the management and prevention of newborn hypothermia,
- Discuss the benefits and barriers to providing skin-to-skin care (SSC),
- Identify and monitor infants appropriate for continuous skin-to skin care (SSC).
List of Contents
Theory:
- Hypothermia definition, signs and management
- Neonatal thermoregulation
- The Energy Triangle
- Prevention: "The warm chain"
- Prevention of hypothermia in newborn care units
- Skin-to-skin care (SSC) (or kangaroo mother care)
Application / 3 case studies
Summary / Learning points /Job aidESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE
60 minutes
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This module is intended for nurses, midwives, clinical officers and medical doctors caring for newborns in MSF projects.
HOW TO ENROL
To access this eLearning module, you need to first enrol in the Newborn Care Learning Hub. The information on how to attend the module is available there.
CERTIFICATION
After completing the module and answering the final quiz with at least 80% correct responses learners are entitled a Tembo completion badge and a certificate.
TRAINING APPROACH
We recommend printing out the job aid and using the neonatal guideline during the module.