Lesson 1Neonatal and child history questions: birth history of first child, immunization history, feeding and developmentDirects history-taking for newborns and young children, covering birth events, early adaptation, immunization status, feeding patterns, development, and common symptoms that may indicate infection, malnutrition, or delay in Ghanaian settings.
Birth details, resuscitation, and early problemsImmunization history and missed vaccinesFeeding type, frequency, and difficultiesSleep, crying, and caregiver concernsDevelopmental milestones and red flagsLesson 2Step-by-step home visit flow: greeting, environment scan, maternal interview, infant/child check, family mappingShows a practical flow for managing the whole home visit, from greeting and environment scan to maternal interview, infant or child assessment, family mapping, counselling, and planning follow-up actions and referrals in local communities.
Initial greeting and confirming consentScanning the home environment and resourcesSequencing maternal and child assessmentsEngaging family members and mapping supportSummarising findings and planning next stepsLesson 3Structured opening: rapport, confidentiality, and explaining purposeConcentrates on beginning the home visit professionally, building rapport, ensuring privacy, explaining purpose and limits of confidentiality, and setting a respectful, collaborative tone that encourages honest sharing and questions among Ghanaian families.
Greeting, cultural respect, and introductionsEnsuring privacy and minimising distractionsExplaining visit purpose and planned activitiesDiscussing confidentiality and its limitsInviting questions and agreeing on prioritiesLesson 4Records and forms to start and maintain: antenatal card, immunization register, mother-baby pair record, referral form, home visit logDeals with essential maternal and child records used in home visits, how to complete and update them correctly, and how accurate documentation supports ongoing care, follow-up, referrals, and programme reporting in Ghanaian communities.
Antenatal care card: key fields and updatesImmunization register: entries and follow-upMother–baby pair record: linkage and useReferral form: indications and completion stepsHome visit log: scheduling and summariesLesson 5Key history questions: current pregnancy (symptoms, fetal movement, bleeding), obstetric history, chronic illness, medications, social determinantsOutlines focused history-taking for pregnant women, including current symptoms, fetal well-being, past obstetric events, chronic illnesses, medications, and social determinants that affect risk, adherence, and access to timely care in Ghana.
Current pregnancy symptoms and warning signsFetal movements, bleeding, and discharge historyPrevious pregnancies, outcomes, and complicationsChronic illnesses, medications, and allergiesSocial support, work, and financial constraintsLesson 6Documentation best practices: clear entries, date/time/location, consent notation, confidentiality and handover notesCovers principles of high-quality documentation, including clear, legible entries, correct date, time, and location, recording consent, maintaining confidentiality, and writing handover notes that support team-based care in community health.
Recording date, time, and location accuratelyWriting clear, objective, and legible notesDocumenting consent and key discussionsProtecting confidentiality in all recordsHandover notes and follow-up instructionsLesson 7Newborn and child basic physical checks: temperature, weight, breastfeeding assessment, hydration, danger signsDescribes stepwise newborn and child examination at home, including temperature, weight, breastfeeding assessment, hydration status, and recognition of danger signs that require immediate referral or urgent follow-up in Ghanaian homes.
Measuring temperature and interpreting feverWeighing child and plotting growth chartsObserving breastfeeding and latch techniqueAssessing hydration, urine, and stool patternsIdentifying neonatal and child danger signsLesson 8Preparing for a safe home visit: PPE, consent, timing, and travel planningExplains how to prepare for safe, efficient home visits, including personal safety, PPE selection, consent planning, visit timing, route and transport, and carrying essential supplies while respecting family privacy and culture in Ghana.
Reviewing case notes and planning visit objectivesSelecting PPE and infection prevention suppliesObtaining prior consent and confirming timingTravel planning, safety, and emergency contactsPacking and checking the home visit bagLesson 9Physical checks to perform: maternal vitals, abdominal exam for fundal height and fetal heart, basic pelvic/red flags checklistOutlines systematic maternal physical assessment at home, including vital signs, abdominal examination for fundal height and fetal heart, and a focused pelvic red flag checklist to identify complications needing urgent referral in communities.
Measuring blood pressure, pulse, and temperatureAssessing edema, pallor, and general appearanceAbdominal exam: lie, fundal height, and toneFetal heart assessment and movement correlationPelvic danger signs and urgent referral triggers
