Introduction to allied health professionals in neonatal care

Introduction to Allied Health Professionals in Neonatal Care is a foundation-level eLearning programme for allied health professionals working in neonatal services. It provides a consistent introduction to neonatal care and to the specialist roles of AHPs within the neonatal multidisciplinary team. The programme consists of 9 eLearning modules, including 1 introductory module and profession-specific foundation modules, and is supported by a workbook and assessments. 

The programme is delivered in partnership with NHS England, the British Dietetic Association, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (including the Neonatal Clinical Excellence Group), the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, and the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists. It is available on the NHS Learning Hub. 

 

Intended audience 

This programme is for: 

• Allied health professionals new to neonatal care 

• AHPs rotating into neonatal services 

• Occupational therapists working in neonatal care 

• Physiotherapists working in neonatal care 

• Speech and language therapists working in neonatal care 

• Dietitians working in neonatal services 

It may also be useful for: 

• Paediatric AHPs with an interest in neonatal care 

• Community paediatric physiotherapists involved in early intervention 

• Health and care professionals who want to understand the role of AHPs on the neonatal unit 

 

Key areas covered 

The programme introduces: 

• Who needs neonatal care and how neonatal services are organised 

• Common complications of prematurity and neonatal brain injury 

• Models of neonatal care and the neonatal care team 

• Neurodevelopment, follow-up and outcomes 

• The role of occupational therapy in neonatal services, including assessment, intervention and discharge 

• The role of neonatal physiotherapy, including development, respiratory care and early follow-up 

• The role of speech and language therapy in communication, feeding and discharge planning 

• The role of the neonatal dietitian in nutrition, growth, feeding development and weaning 

• The importance of multi-professional working across acute and community settings