Maternal and child health service practice guidelines

The Maternal and Child Health Service Guidelines framework introduces a new approach to the 10 Key Ages and Stages (KAS) visits provided to parents and children by the universal Maternal and Child Health Service.

It sets out new evidence based activities for each of the 10 age and stage visits with additional emphasis on health promotion across a range of domains that address both maternal and child health and wellbeing.

These include:

• Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) as a primary tool to engage parents in discussion about the development of their child.
• Brigance screen - as a secondary screen where concerns are identified through the PEDS.
• Relevant health information handouts at each key age and stage consultation.
• Interventions that include a SIDS risk assessment, Quit smoking intervention, and screening for maternal health and the presence of family violence.
• Anticipatory Guidance underpins this framework It is intended to be complemented by opportunistic activity by MCH nurses, on the basis of their clinical judgement, in response to other parental concerns and nurse observation.

For more information visit the Maternal and Child Health Service framework page.