Gathering background information

Understanding the infant you are going to be working with ensures family centred and safe care. It might take a few sessions to gather information about the infant by talking with the family, obtaining information from the referral source and from the medical records.

Establish a good case history and understanding of the infant’s presenting condition/s. Research any conditions that are unfamiliar and take particular note of any special precautions or requirements. You can ask the caregiver and where possible the treating medical team or referral source regarding any safety concerns prior to seeing the infant.

For example:

• Children who have undergone cardiac surgery cannot be picked up underneath their arms for a period of time after their surgery.
• Children who have had a recent insertion of central line or stoma/port may not be able to be positioned prone for a short period.
• Infants who are positioned in gallows traction due to a fractured femur must remain in traction for 24 hours including for all cares, nappy changes, play and feeding and cannot be taken off traction unless medically cleared.