Using a Stool Colour Chart in the care of the new-born - A qualitative study

After informed consent, the Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) will undertake an initial questionnaire with families will take place, and then a visual reference card with six colour palettes, three normal stool colours and three abnormal acholic stool colours would be given to families of new-borns and the LMC. The LMC would discuss with the families using the Stool Colour Chart (SCC) as a reminder of normal stool colour at the initial visit at home in the first week of life, then again at the check between 2-6 weeks of life. As a final screen, there will be another chance for intervention at the Six Week Check, either with the LMC or Well Child Provider, with direct questioning using the SCC regarding stool colour. The head investigator will undertake a final exit interview with the families and the health professionals will take place inquiring about the usefulness and ease of use of the SCC and education process. If at any stage there is an abnormally coloured stool, the Protocol for Further Testing if SCC Screen Positive will be instigated. Data Collection Process: 1) Anonymised data collection will take place at time of consent, including demographics of the family, the gravidity and parity of the mother, name of LMC and the likely WCP that will perform the Six Week Check. 2) A questionnaire asking consented caregivers their perception of normal neonatal stool colour will be performed at the start of the intervention. 3) SCC with instructions will be distributed to the families along with their WCTO - My Health Book. The LMC will also have a copy of the SCC for reference. The family will notify the LMC at any stage if the stool colour is abnormal and Protocol for Further Testing will be implemented. 4) First conversation utilising the SCC between the LMC and family will take place within the first week of life to reinforce the normal stool colour and the sign of acholic stools. 5) At the scheduled WCTO assessment by the LMC between 2-6 weeks of age, there is already a list of suggested topics of conversation which include stool colour. At this point the family and LMC should refer to the SCC and ensure there have not been any abnormal stool colours. a. If this is the final LMC visit, an exit interview with the LMC will be performed seeking qualitative data regarding the utility of the SCC in helping with the education and dialogue with families on normal neonatal stool colours. 6) There will be a Six Week Check by WCP. A final interaction using the SCC will take place between families and the health professional. a. Practitioners performing the Six Week Check will be interviewed. The Investigator will coordinate with families to ensure the Six Week Check takes place in a timely manner as the window for effective HPE closes rapidly beyond this point. 7) The families will then be interviewed regarding their experiences with the SCC, compliance with SCC led discussions during WCTO interactions and whether this aided or changed their perceptions of normal and abnormal neonatal stool colour. A repeat question regarding the colour or normal neonatal stool will be asked again of all caregivers. 8) Analysis of pre-intervention perceptions of normal stool colour and the post-intervention understanding of acholic stools will be performed. Satisfaction with the SCC as a screening and educational tool will be assessed with interview results with health professionals and families.