Maternal History Taking

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. 

 

 

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. 

 

• 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.