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This paper describes the use of the MCR FIRST score. The score has evolved as a method of measuring certain aspects of a mother's caring for her newborn baby. The factors included are feeding, interest, response, speech and touch, and these have been combined into a numerical score. The results for 100 mothers who were assessed on days 1, 3 and 5 postpartum are presented. The MCR FIRST score is distinguished by its simplicity of use in clinical work and may be helpful in recognizing potential impairment of mother-child relationships during the early postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of test used to examine medical students' clinical skills in paediatrics is described. Each student has to circulate round a number of timed stations. At each one he performs a specified clinical procedure--such as history taking, physical examination, urine analysis, and radiological interpretation--and is marked according to his performance. This type of test is objective and can be extended to cover different aspects of clinical methods; it readily informs the student about his progress, and enables the teacher to look critically at his own technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the total maturity score (TMS) as a means of estimating gestational age was assessed in a population of 76 low birthweight infants (less than or equal to 2500 g) and 80 matched controls (greater than 2500 g) all of certain gestational ages. The gestational ages, derived from the last menstrual period and from the TMS, were similar except in preterm low birthweight infants. The discrepancy in this group was attributed to the structure of the scoring system. It is concluded that the TMS is a convenient and accurate method of assessing gestational age in term babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]