The ‘New’ RCP NS Prenatal Record is Hot Off the Press! – RCP is excited to share that the ‘new’ RCP NS PNR is available for use in a paper format! We anticipate that there will be a period of transition for care providers as they shift to utilizing the updated PNR for documentation of antenatal care. If a paper supply of the PNR has not already been received at your practice please contact RCP. The PNR can also be ordered online from the RCP website. A sample of the PNR and the accompanying Companion Document can be viewed here. Note: For care providers who utilize the PNR electronically, development of the PNR within the two EMR systems will occur in the coming months.
Revised Guidelines for Antenatal Testing & Screening
The RCP Guidelines for Antenatal Screening and Testing have also undergone an extensive revision to align with current evidence and best practice standards as reflected within the updated PNR. These guidelines will serve as a helpful resource and quick reference guide for care providers related to recommended antenatal screening and testing. The guidelines are available on the RCP website and also in a convenient printable card format. Laminated copies of the revised guidelines will also be sent to care provider offices in the coming weeks.
RCP Webinar Series – Previously recorded webinars can be accessed and viewed at your leisure on the RCP website. The most recent webinars: Support of the Neonate Awaiting Transport and The 'New' RCP NS Prenatal Record are now available for viewing.
Watch the RCP website for details regarding future topics, learning objectives and registration information for future sessions. Suggestions for future topics are always welcomed. Please send them via the RCP email: rcp@iwk.nshealth.ca
Documenting Completion of the Oxytocin Safety Checklist
Care providers in NS utilize an Oxytocin Safety Checklist (OSC) to guide decision-making with the administration and titration of oxytocin. Use of the OSC is part of the provincial policy: Induction and Augmentation of Labour: Oxytocin Infusion Protocol. It should be included as part of the full assessment of maternal/fetal wellbeing prior to considering adjusting the Oxytocin infusion rate. If there is a request in your facility to specifically document that the OSC has been completed, you may consider using the ‘Other’ row on the RCP Partogram to indicate this was performed. For example, it is suggested to document ‘Oxytocin Safety Checklist’ in this block and then use a checkmark in the appropriate time column and initial your completed assessment at the bottom as you normally do. This addition will be considered with future revisions to the RCP Partogram.
Recorded IWK OB Rounds – The IWK Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Grand Rounds presentation from June 15th has been recorded for your viewing. The title of the presentation is: Traumatic Birth Experiences, Obstetric Violence, & Trauma Informed Care: Best Practices for Obstetrics & Gynecology and it can be accessed on YouTube.
New Rh Guidelines – Following careful consideration of the best available evidence, the Rh Program of Nova Scotia has developed a new guideline for the management of Rh prophylaxis before 8 weeks (56 days) gestation for early pregnancy complications and medical abortions. The benefits of administering Rh immune globulin before 8 weeks gestation have not been demonstrated. In contrast, there are significant benefits to individuals and health care providers when barriers such as blood testing and Rh prophylaxis can be avoided. These guidelines will also be available on the Rh Program website. Please contact the Rh Program of Nova Scotia for further information.
#BePelvicHealthAware – ‘Be Pelvic Health Aware’ is a YouTube channel hosting 4 videos using whiteboard animation as an online health promotion tool to disseminate key messages related to pelvic health. These messages align with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada obstetric anal sphincter injuries practice guideline. To view the videos, click here.
Health Canada: Information for families during the shortage of formula for infants with food allergies - There is currently not a shortage of regular infant formula in Canada. However, there is a shortage of infant formulas for infants with food allergies and certain medical conditions. This includes extensively hydrolyzed formulas and amino acid-based formulas. For more information go to the Health Canada website.
N4 Position Paper: National Standards for Healthcare Equity. The Case for Provincial Interpretation Services - In consultation with healthcare and settlement providers across Canada, the National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) has developed a proposed national standard and an accompanying set of recommendations to address language barriers for newcomers. By implementing this standard, we can promote safe, equitable and positive healthcare access and experiences for newcomers. This position paper provides a roadmap towards access to healthcare interpretation as well as reflections on the points of intersection between the healthcare and settlement sectors, which work closely together but are rarely considered in tandem in policy.
Diabetes & Ultrasound Surveillance Memo - The Diabetes team at the IWK has been working hard to optimize the care and investigations that diabetic patients are receiving. As the number of diabetic patients increases they were required to rethink when and where fetal imaging takes place in order to meet the growing need. Dr. Jillian Coolen and her team at the IWK have drafted a memo to provide guidance regarding diabetes and ultrasound surveillance. The memo includes recommendations that reflect a review of the literature, consideration of individual patient risk, and available ultrasound resources within IWK Diagnostic Imaging and the Fetal Assessment and Treatment Centre, and will be a slight change from the current approach. For full details of the memo go to the RCP website.
Maternal Mortality in the News! - SOGC launches toolkit to collect data on maternal mortality - The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is launching a tool kit to help health authorities review maternal deaths. SOGC CEO Dr. Diane Francoeur says the program will allow provinces to share data anonymously and work together to identify national trends. For more information go to the SOGC website.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Virtual Learning Exchange - Exploring Anti-Oppression Practices and Unconscious Bias in Our Work Webinar Series:
- Opening ourselves: Understanding unconscious bias and its role in practice (part 1)
- Opening ourselves: An introduction to anti-oppression practices and frameworks (part 2)
- Opening ourselves: Understanding unconscious bias and its role in practice (part 3)
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