Newborn Screening Resources for Midwives
Several state newborn screening programs and midwives came together to create tools to improve the utilization of newborn screening for community birth (home or birth center deliveries) families. Our group noted that while midwives often offer newborn screening to their patients, there are several barriers that may lead to families opting out of the screen. One concern is that midwives may not have the tools necessary to educate expecting parents on their concerns around newborn screening and/or may not understand the importance of newborn screening.
Newborn Screening Shared Decision Making Tool
This tool is designed to support midwives and families in making informed decisions about newborn screening. A generic version and state specific versions are available. State specific versions contain information specific to the newborn screening programs in that state.
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Newborn Screening: Did You Know?
This tool provides the midwife with background information that may be helpful when they have a discussion with families about newborn screening. A generic version and a Washington-state specific version are available.
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Newborn Screening Consent
and Declination Form
If a family opts out of doing the newborn screen and the midwife wants a record of that decision, they can have the family complete this form. Click the button to the right to open and download the fillable form. Please note, your state may have a separate refusal form that is required for their records.