Implementation of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination in a High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Program

BACKGROUND: High-risk infant follow-up programs provide early identification and referral for treatment of neurodevelopmental delays and impairments. In these programs, a standardized neurological examination is a critical component of evaluation for clinical and research purposes. METHODS: To address primary challenges of provider educational diversity and standardized documentation, we designed an approach to training and implementation of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination with precourse materials, a workshop model, and adaptation of the electronic medical record. CONCLUSIONS: Provider completion and documentation of a neurological examination were evaluated before and after Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination training. Standardized training and implementation of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination in a large high-risk infant follow-up is feasible and effective and allows for quantitative evaluation of neurological findings and developmental trajectories.