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Continuity Clinic Notebook:

Chapter 1: The Prenatal and Well Child Visit


Chapter 1 Index

A. General Information about the well child examination
--Prenatal Visit
--Well Child Check-up
--Neonatal Jaundice
--Breast Milk Jaundice
--Circumcision
--Diapers
--Pacifiers
--Birth Defects
--Newborn Metabolic Screen

 

Body Language and the Office Visit

1. Greeting of the parent

  • Attire - wear white coat - not scrubs; try and look relaxed.
  • Demeanor - do not chew gum.
  • Greeting parent/child: do not say “Mom” when referring to the mother of your patient.  Try to call both mother and child by name: Mrs. ----- or Ms. -----.
  • Door - always close the door when having a patient interaction.  Ensures privacy.
  • Sit - even if only for a few minutes, sit down to discuss issues.

2.  Taking the History: sit down!

  • Eye contact - important that they know you are taking them seriously.
  • Ask “ How can I help you today?”  Use open-ended questions whenever possible.
  • Do not interrupt - let the parent talk uninterruptedly for several minutes about  problems.
  • Focus history - after a few minutes have passed, then gently focus the history by directing questions to involve the chief complaint.
  • Give cues that listening: nod, smile, and give facial interactions.
  • Interact visually with child - see if history fits the story you are being told.

3.  Physical Exam: Child Totally Undressed Even for an Earache. Girls over 5-6 years of age should be given a drape to wear, boys can have their shirts off.  Teenagers can have a sheet to cover their legs if they so desire.

  • Demeanor
    • smile and talk to child - even if the child an infant; call baby by name.
    • Act relaxed - even when you are rushed.
  • Actual PE:
    • Note age/weight/development as examine: fit with history (visual exam)?
    • Be focused but do complete PE.

4.  Assessment

  • If in continuity clinic, come to own assessment first.
  • Mention that will return, and then present to faculty member:
    • - 2 minute summary: hx, pe, assessment; plan: meds, when return

5.  Instructions to Parents

  • Summarize findings and plan of treatment: be specific how often the medication should be taken, and when it should be finished.
  • Inform parents of what specific problems to watch for, and when to call back: for example, “call back if fever persists for 48 hours.”
  • Give time to return (2 weeks, next check-up, etc.).
  • If well visit, and immunizations are anticipated, describe the shots, their possible side effects and when parents need to call back.

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Department of Pediatrics  |  Medical College of Georgia
Please email comments, suggestions or questions to:
John T.  Benjamin M.D., 
jbenj@mcg.edu

February 27, 2004