Maternal History Taking
About the Best Practice Statement
The maternal history taking best practice statement (BPS) was
originally published in 2004. As NHS Quality Improvement
Scotland (NHS QIS) has a commitment to review and, if necessary,
update BPSs every three years a working group was formed to
establish whether a revised BPS was required. The group
agreed that there was a need to update the BPS and used their
professional expertise to revise the document which was then also
circulated to key stakeholders and made available on the NHS QIS
website for a 6 week consultation.
Updates to the best practice statement
As well as updating the original four sections of the best
practice statement (who, where, when and how) with recent
evidence-based literature, the group also included two new sections
to the 2008 BPS. Section five is a ¿what¿ section which
identifies the core elements to be included in the maternal history
taking appointment and provides information to support the Scottish
Woman Held Maternity Record
Section six focuses on women who may receive an inequitable
service and raises the awareness of the possible impact of health
and social inequalities on women and their families.
Appendices to support the BPS have also been
included:
- Appendix one has a list of useful resources which can be
accessed to provide further information to healthcare
professionals.
- Appendix two is a quick guide to searching the equality in
health portal.
- Appendix three is an audit tool which will allow healthcare
professionals or local NHS Board to audit practice.
This audit tool is available to print off and write on or use
electronically.
Published Date: 25 June 2008
