Comparing the Practice of Routine Postnatal Clinical Examination of Healthy Newborns in Norway, Denmark and Sweden: A Survey

AIM: In many countries, all newborns undergo a routine clinical newborn examination before discharge. Key aim of this examination is to detect conditions for which early treatment may improve outcomes. This study aimed to describe variation in the timing, content, professional responsibility and follow-up arrangements for routine clinical newborn examination in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. METHODS: April to September 2024, we distributed a survey to Norwegian paediatricians and to representatives of maternity and paediatric departments in Denmark and Sweden. RESULTS: We analysed responses from 45 hospitals: Norway (N = 20), Denmark (N = 12) and Sweden (N = 13). In Norway and Sweden, a more comprehensive examination was generally performed by paediatricians within 72 h after birth. In Denmark, midwives typically performed a simplified examination within 12 h, with paediatric assessment when indicated. Examination content was broadly similar in Norway and Sweden but differed in Denmark. All participating hospitals reported routine pulse oximetry screening, but cardiac auscultation and follow-up of heart murmurs differed. CONCLUSION: The organisation of routine clinical newborn examination differs across Scandinavia. These differences in care pathways may influence resource use and clinical decision making. Whether they translate into differences in neonatal morbidity or mortality remains unknown.