Lesson 1Neonatal and child history questions: birth history of first child, immunization history, feeding and developmentGuides history-taking for newborns and young children, including birth events, early adaptation, immunization status, feeding patterns, development, and common symptoms that may signal infection, malnutrition, or delay in local contexts.
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 mappingPresents a practical flow for organising the entire 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 community homes.
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 purposeFocuses on starting 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 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 logCovers essential maternal and child records used during home visits, how to complete and update them correctly, and how accurate documentation supports continuity of care, follow-up, referrals, and programme reporting in the community.
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 determinantsDetails focused history-taking for pregnant women, including current symptoms, fetal well-being, past obstetric events, chronic illnesses, medications, and social determinants that influence risk, adherence, and access to timely care in rural areas.
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 home settings.
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 Zimbabwe.
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.
Measuring blood pressure, pulse, and temperatureAssessing oedema, pallor, and general appearanceAbdominal exam: lie, fundal height, and toneFetal heart assessment and movement correlationPelvic danger signs and urgent referral triggers
