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Akter S, Forbes G, Vazquez Corona M, Miller S, Althabe F, Coomarasamy A, Gallos ID, Oladapo OT, Vogel JP, Lorencatto F, Bohren MA. Perceptions and experiences of the prevention, detection, and management of postpartum haemorrhage: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 11:CD013795. [PMID: 38009552 PMCID: PMC10680124 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013795.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more after childbirth, is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It is possible to prevent complications of PPH with timely and appropriate detection and management. However, implementing the best methods of PPH prevention, detection and management can be challenging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES Our overall objective was to explore the perceptions and experiences of women, community members, lay health workers, and skilled healthcare providers who have experience with PPH or with preventing, detecting, and managing PPH, in community or health facility settings. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and grey literature on 13 November 2022 with no language restrictions. We then performed reference checking and forward citation searching of the included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included qualitative studies and mixed-methods studies with an identifiable qualitative component. We included studies that explored perceptions and experiences of PPH prevention, detection, and management among women, community members, traditional birth attendants, healthcare providers, and managers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used three-stage maximum variation sampling to ensure diversity in terms of relevance of the study to the review objectives, richness of data, and coverage of critical contextual elements: setting (region, country income level), perspective (type of participant), and topic (prevention, detection, management). We extracted data using a data extraction form designed for this review. We used thematic synthesis to analyse and synthesise the evidence, and we used the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach to assess our confidence in each finding. To identify factors that may influence intervention implementation, we mapped each review finding to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Motivation, and Opportunity model of Behaviour change (COM-B). We used the Behaviour Change Wheel to explore implications for practice. MAIN RESULTS We included 67 studies and sampled 43 studies for our analysis. Most were from low- or middle-income countries (33 studies), and most included the perspectives of women and health workers. We downgraded our confidence in several findings from high confidence to moderate, low, or very-low confidence, mainly due to concerns about how the studies were conducted (methodological limitations) or concerns about missing important perspectives from some types of participants or in some settings (relevance). In many communities, bleeding during and after childbirth is considered "normal" and necessary to expel "impurities" and restore and cleanse the woman's body after pregnancy and birth (moderate confidence). In some communities, people have misconceptions about causes of PPH or believe that PPH is caused by supernatural powers or evil spirits that punish women for ignoring or disobeying social rules or for past mistakes (high confidence). For women who give birth at home or in the community, female family members or traditional birth attendants are the first to recognise excess bleeding after birth (high confidence). Family members typically take the decision of whether and when to seek care if PPH is suspected, and these family members are often influenced by trusted traditional birth attendants or community midwives (high confidence). If PPH is identified for women birthing at home or in the community, decision-making about the subsequent referral and care pathway can be multifaceted and complex (high confidence). First responders to PPH are not always skilled or trained healthcare providers (high confidence). In health facilities, midwives may consider it easy to implement visual estimation of blood loss with a kidney dish or under-pad, but difficult to accurately interpret the amount of blood loss (very low confidence). Quantifying (rather than estimating) blood loss may be a complex and contentious change of practice for health workers (low confidence). Women who gave birth in health facilities and experienced PPH described it as painful, embarrassing, and traumatic. Partners or other family members also found the experience stressful. While some women were dissatisfied with their level of involvement in decision-making for PPH management, others felt health workers were best placed to make decisions (moderate confidence). Inconsistent availability of resources (drugs, medical supplies, blood) causes delays in the timely management of PPH (high confidence). There is limited availability of misoprostol in the community owing to stockouts, poor supply systems, and the difficulty of navigating misoprostol procurement for community health workers (moderate confidence). Health workers described working on the maternity ward as stressful and intense due to short staffing, long shifts, and the unpredictability of emergencies. Exhausted and overwhelmed staff may be unable to appropriately monitor all women, particularly when multiple women are giving birth simultaneously or on the floor of the health facility; this could lead to delays in detecting PPH (moderate confidence). Inadequate staffing, high turnover of skilled health workers, and appointment of lower-level cadres of health workers are key challenges to the provision of quality PPH care (high confidence). Through team-based simulation training, health workers of different cadres (doctors, midwives, lay health workers) can develop a shared mental model to help them work quickly, efficiently, and amicably as a team when managing women with PPH (moderate confidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight how improving PPH prevention, detection, and management is underpinned by a complex system of interacting roles and behaviours (community, women, health workers of different types and with different experiences). Multiple individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors influence the decisions and behaviours of women, families, communities, health workers, and managers. It is crucial to consider the broader health and social systems when designing and implementing PPH interventions to change or influence these behaviours. We have developed a set of prompts that may help programme managers, policymakers, researchers, and other key stakeholders to identify and address factors that affect implementation and scale-up of interventions to improve PPH prevention, detection, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahinoor Akter
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gillian Forbes
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martha Vazquez Corona
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suellen Miller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, and Safe Motherhood Program, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health and Policy, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Fernando Althabe
- Department of Mother and Child Health Research, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olufemi T Oladapo
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal and Child Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Bourret K, Mattison C, Hebert E, Kabeya A, Simba S, Crangle M, Darling E, Robinson J. Evidence-informed framework for gender transformative continuing education interventions for midwives and midwifery associations. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-011242. [PMID: 36634981 PMCID: PMC9843202 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Continuing education for midwives is an important investment area to improve the quality of sexual and reproductive health services. Interventions must take into account and provide solutions for the systemic barriers and gender inequities faced by midwives. Our objective was to generate concepts and a theoretical framework of the range of factors and gender transformative considerations for the development of continuing education interventions for midwives. METHODS A critical interpretive synthesis complemented by key informant interviews, focus groups, observations and document review was applied. Three electronic bibliographic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE) were searched from July 2019 to September 2020 and were again updated in June 2021. A coding structure was created to guide the synthesis across the five sources of evidence. RESULTS A total of 4519 records were retrieved through electronic searches and 103 documents were included in the critical interpretive synthesis. Additional evidence totalled 31 key informant interviews, 5 focus groups (Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania), 24 programme documents and field observations in the form of notes. The resulting theoretical framework outlines the key considerations including gender, the role of the midwifery association, political and health systems and external forces along with key enabling elements for the design, implementation and evaluation of gender transformative continuing education interventions. CONCLUSION Investments in gender transformative continuing education for midwives, led by midwifery associations, can lead to the improvement of midwifery across all United Nations' target areas including governance, health workforce, health system arrangements and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Bourret
- Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden .,McMaster Midwifery Research Center, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cristina Mattison
- Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Hebert
- Bureau des relations internationales, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ambrocckha Kabeya
- Société Congolaise de la Pratique Sage-femme, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Stephano Simba
- Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Moya Crangle
- Canadian Association of Midwives, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Darling
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie Robinson
- Canadian Association of Midwives, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Mwansisya T, Mbekenga C, Isangula K, Mwasha L, Mbelwa S, Lyimo M, Kisaka L, Mathias V, Pallangyo E, Edwards G, Mantel M, Konteh S, Rutachunzibwa T, Mrema S, Kidanto H, Temmerman M. The impact of training on self-reported performance in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health service delivery among healthcare workers in Tanzania: a baseline- and endline-survey. Reprod Health 2022; 19:143. [PMID: 35725562 PMCID: PMC9210613 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Delivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the availability of healthcare workers who are adequately supported with appropriate training. However, unmet training needs among healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) in low-income countries remain disproportionately high. This study investigated the effectiveness of training with onsite clinical mentorship towards self-reported performance in RMNH among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Methods The study used a quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-intervention evaluation strategy. The baseline was compared with two endline groups: those with intervention (training and onsite mentorship) and those without. The differences among the three groups in the sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed by using chi-square test for categorical variables, independent-sample t-test for continuous variables and Mann–Whitney U test for ordinal or skewed continuous data. The independent sample t-test was used to determine the effect of the intervention by comparing the computed self-reported performance on RMNH services between the intervention and control groups. The paired-samples t-test was used to measure the differences between before and after intervention groups. Significance was set at a 95% confidence interval with p ≤ 0.05. Results The study included a sample of 216 participants with before and after intervention groups comprising of 95 (44.0%) and 121 (56.0%) in the control group. The comparison between before and after intervention groups revealed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in all the dimensions of the self-reported performance scores. However, the comparison between intervention groups and controls indicated a statistical significant difference on intra-operative care (t = 3.10, df = 216, p = 0.002), leadership skills (t = 1.85, df = 216, p = 0.050),
Comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEMONC) (t = 34.35, df = 216, p ≤ 0.001), and overall self-reported performance in RMNH (t = 3.15, df = 216, p = 0.002). Conclusions This study revealed that the training and onsite clinical mentorship to have significant positive changes in self-reported performance in a wide range of RMNH services especially on intra-operative care, leadership skills and CEMONC. However, further studies with rigorous designs are warranted to evaluate the long-term effect of such training programs on RMNH outcomes. Reproductive maternal and newborn health (RMNH) in low- and middle-income countries continue to face critical challenges. Training healthcare workers especially using a combined approach (training followed by immediate clinical mentorship) in RMNH have been documented as an essential strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low-and middle-income countries closer to those in high-income countries. This study investigated the effectiveness of a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) trainings on performance among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region. The study included a sample of 216 participants with before and after intervention groups comprising of 95 participants and control group comprising of 121 participants. The findings revealed that in comparison between before and after intervention groups all dimensions of the self-reported TNA questionnaire had a statistically significant difference. However, the comparison between intervention and controls groups indicated a statistical significant difference on leadership skills, intra-operative care,
Comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEMONC) and overall RMNH self-reported performance. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that healthcare workers’ self-identified and prioritized training needs that are supported with clinical mentorship results in significant positive changes in performance across a wide range of RMNH tasks. Therefore, conducting TNA that is followed by training and mentorship according to the identified needs among healthcare workers plays a significant role in improving performance on RMNH services among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tumbwene Mwansisya
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Columba Mbekenga
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kahabi Isangula
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Loveluck Mwasha
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stewart Mbelwa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mary Lyimo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lucy Kisaka
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Victor Mathias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eunice Pallangyo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Grace Edwards
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michaela Mantel
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Hussein Kidanto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Seidman G, Pascal L, McDonough J. What benefits do healthcare organisations receive from leadership and management development programmes? A systematic review of the evidence. BMJ LEADER 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/leader-2019-000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionLeadership and management training/development programmes have gained increasing institutional attention in healthcare organisations, and they have a wide variety of formats and approaches. However, limited evidence exists about effects of these programmes for the organisations that sponsor them. A minority of healthcare systems in the USA measure the impact of these programmes on organisational metrics such as staff turnover or cost savings. This systematic review sought to answer the question, ‘What evidence exists that leadership and/or management development and training programs yield benefits for health care organizations?’ These benefits could include return on investment, improved productivity/cohesion/teaming, or increased use of specific management skills (eg, strategic planning) that would directly benefit the organisation.MethodsWe followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the relevant literature. We conducted two searches in PubMed and one in ABI/Inform, a business literature database. All articles included for the study were further categorised according to their relevance for answering the research questions, using predefined criteria based on their methodology and reported findings.ResultsOur search included 2462 studies, of which 55 met criteria for inclusion. We identified four potential organisation-level benefits to leadership and management training programmes: benefits to other staff (besides those who participate in the programmes), improved patient safety and satisfaction, tangible benefits from projects that were part of the programme and improved ability/confidence using leadership-related skills by programme participants. However, the research base on this topic is limited.ConclusionAlthough this research identified potential benefits of leadership and management programmes at the organisation level, additional research is needed to make definitive conclusions about their impact.
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Shen Y, Li Q, Liu X, Xiao S, Yan H. Training and financial intervention for encouraging maternal health service utilization: Results of cluster randomized trials in Shaanxi Province. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17709. [PMID: 31702622 PMCID: PMC6855503 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising maternal and child healthcare costs and the lack of training and educational resources for healthcare workers have reduced service quality in primary health centers of China. We sought to compare strategies promoting healthcare service utilization in rural western China. METHOD A randomized community trial was carried out in Zhen'an country between 2007 and 2009. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted to compare the outcomes of financial subsidy for pregnant women seeking antenatal care and clinical training provided to healthcare workers by difference-in-difference estimation. RESULTS In all, 1113 women completed the questionnaires. The proportion of postnatal visits increased three times in the training group, reaching 35.7%. The number of women who received advice from their doctors regarding nutrition and warning signs necessitating immediate medical attention also improved significantly (5.8% and 8.2%, respectively). Furthermore, the percentage of women who underwent blood tests increased significantly to 19.5% in the training group. Compared to the financial group, the training group had more women who breastfed for longer than 4 months (15.8%) and provided timely complementary feeding (8.9%). CONCLUSION The training intervention appeared to have improved prenatal care utilization. Essential obstetric training helped enhance knowledge and self-efficacy among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, LanZhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shengbin Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi
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Tuyisenge G, Hategeka C, Luginaah I, Babenko-Mould Y, Cechetto D, Rulisa S. Continuing Professional Development in Maternal Health Care: Barriers to Applying New Knowledge and Skills in the Hospitals of Rwanda. Matern Child Health J 2019; 22:1200-1207. [PMID: 29470814 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2505-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Training healthcare professionals in emergency maternal healthcare is a critical component of improving overall maternal health in developing countries like Rwanda. This paper explored the challenges that healthcare professionals who participated in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program on Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics® (ALSO) face in putting the learned knowledge and skills into practice in hospitals of Rwanda. Methods This study used a mixed methods approach to understand the challenges/barriers to applying new knowledge and skills in the hospitals of Rwanda. We conducted thirteen purposive in-depth interviews with ALSO® trainees (nurses, midwives and physicians) complemented with a cross-sectional survey on staff turnover in eight of the nine hospitals in the Eastern province of Rwanda. Results Our study found that trainees do not get enough opportunity to apply the new knowledge and skills in their hospitals and expand to health centers. In part because they are frequently rotating to different departments of the hospital and are not getting the opportunity to train their colleagues to share the learned knowledge and skills. The lack of refresher trainings/mentorship and the high personnel turnover were also reported as a barrier to applying new knowledge and skills. Reasons for staff turnover included pursuing further studies, a better opportunity (job/remuneration), low morale, and family related motives including joining a spouse or better schools for children. Conclusions for Practice Expanding and formalizing CPD training to all the healthcare professionals involved in providing maternal care services would improve the provision of emergency maternal healthcare in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germaine Tuyisenge
- Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Celestin Hategeka
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada. .,Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yolanda Babenko-Mould
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - David Cechetto
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Rulisa
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
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Ajeani J, Mangwi Ayiasi R, Tetui M, Ekirapa-Kiracho E, Namazzi G, Muhumuza Kananura R, Namusoke Kiwanuka S, Beyeza-Kashesya J. A cascade model of mentorship for frontline health workers in rural health facilities in Eastern Uganda: processes, achievements and lessons. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1345497. [PMID: 28816629 PMCID: PMC5645691 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1345497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing demand for trainers to shift from traditional didactic training to innovative approaches that are more results-oriented. Mentorship is one such approach that could bridge the clinical knowledge gap among health workers. OBJECTIVES This paper describes the experiences of an attempt to improve health-worker performance in maternal and newborn health in three rural districts through a mentoring process using the cascade model. The paper further highlights achievements and lessons learnt during implementation of the cascade model. METHODS The cascade model started with initial training of health workers from three districts of Pallisa, Kibuku and Kamuli from where potential local mentors were selected for further training and mentorship by central mentors. These local mentors then went on to conduct mentorship visits supported by the external mentors. The mentorship process concentrated on partograph use, newborn resuscitation, prevention and management of Post-Partum Haemorrhage (PPH), including active management of third stage of labour, preeclampsia management and management of the sick newborn. Data for this paper was obtained from key informant interviews with district-level managers and local mentors. RESULTS Mentorship improved several aspects of health-care delivery, ranging from improved competencies and responsiveness to emergencies and health-worker professionalism. In addition, due to better district leadership for Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), there were improved supplies/medicine availability, team work and innovative local problem-solving approaches. Health workers were ultimately empowered to perform better. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that it is possible to improve the competencies of frontline health workers through performance enhancement for MNH services using locally built capacity in clinical mentorship for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC). The cascade mentoring process needed strong external mentorship support at the start to ensure improved capacity among local mentors to provide mentorship among local district staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Ajeani
- a School of Medicine , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Mulago National Referral Hospital , Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Mangwi Ayiasi
- c Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Moses Tetui
- c Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda.,d Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Ekirapa-Kiracho
- c Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Gertrude Namazzi
- c Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Ronald Muhumuza Kananura
- c Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Suzanne Namusoke Kiwanuka
- c Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Mulago National Referral Hospital , Kampala, Uganda
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Ellard DR, Underwood M, Achana F, Antrobus JH, Balasubramanian S, Brown S, Cairns M, Griffin J, Griffiths F, Haywood K, Hutchinson C, Lall R, Petrou S, Stallard N, Tysall C, Walsh DA, Sandhu H. Facet joint injections for people with persistent non-specific low back pain (Facet Injection Study): a feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial. Health Technol Assess 2018. [PMID: 28639551 DOI: 10.3310/hta21300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2009 guidelines for persistent low back pain (LBP) do not recommend the injection of therapeutic substances into the back as a treatment for LBP because of the absence of evidence for their effectiveness. This feasibility study aimed to provide a stable platform that could be used to evaluate a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of intra-articular facet joint injections (FJIs) when added to normal care. OBJECTIVES To explore the feasibility of running a RCT to test the hypothesis that, for people with suspected facet joint back pain, adding the option of intra-articular FJIs (local anaesthetic and corticosteroids) to best usual non-invasive care is clinically effective and cost-effective. DESIGN The trial was a mixed design. The RCT pilot protocol development involved literature reviews and a consensus conference followed by a randomised pilot study with an embedded mixed-methods process evaluation. SETTING Five NHS acute trusts in England. PARTICIPANTS Participants were patients aged ≥ 18 years with moderately troublesome LBP present (> 6 months), who had failed previous conservative treatment and who had suspected facet joint pain. The study aimed to recruit 150 participants (approximately 30 per site). Participants were randomised sequentially by a remote service to FJIs combined with 'best usual care' (BUC) or BUC alone. INTERVENTIONS All participants were to receive six sessions of a bespoke BUC rehabilitation package. Those randomised into the intervention arm were, in addition, given FJIs with local anaesthetic and steroids (at up to six injection sites). Randomisation occurred at the end of the first BUC session. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Process and clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes included a measurement of level of pain on a scale from 0 to 10, which was collected daily and then weekly via text messaging (or through a written diary). Questionnaire follow-up was at 3 months. RESULTS Fifty-two stakeholders attended the consensus meeting. Agreement informed several statistical questions and three design considerations: diagnosis, the process of FJI and the BUC package and informing the design for the randomised pilot study. Recruitment started on 26 June 2015 and was terminated by the funder (as a result of poor recruitment) on 11 December 2015. In total, 26 participants were randomised. Process data illuminate some of the reasons for recruitment problems but also show that trial processes after enrolment ran smoothly. No between-group analysis was carried out. All pain-related outcomes show the expected improvement between baseline and follow-up. The mean total cost of the overall treatment package (injection £419.22 and BUC £264.00) was estimated at £683.22 per participant. This is similar to a NHS tariff cost for a course of FJIs of £686.84. LIMITATIONS Poor recruitment was a limiting factor. CONCLUSIONS This feasibility study achieved consensus on the main challenges in a trial of FJIs for people with persistent non-specific low back pain. FUTURE WORK Further work is needed to test recruitment from alternative clinical situations. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2014-000682-50 and Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN93184143. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 30. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Ellard
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Martin Underwood
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Felix Achana
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - James Hl Antrobus
- South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick Hospital, Warwick, UK
| | - Shyam Balasubramanian
- Pain Management Service, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Sally Brown
- University/User Teaching and Research Action Partnership (UNTRAP), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Melinda Cairns
- Department of Allied Health Professions and Midwifery, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - James Griffin
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Social Science and Systems in Health, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kirstie Haywood
- Royal College of Nursing Research Institute, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Charles Hutchinson
- Population Evidence and Technologies Room, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Ranjit Lall
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Nigel Stallard
- Statistics and Epidemiology, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Colin Tysall
- University/User Teaching and Research Action Partnership (UNTRAP), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - David A Walsh
- Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, Academic Rheumatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Harbinder Sandhu
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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9
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Ellard DR, Chimwaza W, Davies D, Simkiss D, Kamwendo F, Mhango C, Quenby S, Kandala NB, O'Hare JP. Up-skilling associate clinicians in Malawi in emergency obstetric, neonatal care and clinical leadership: the ETATMBA cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Glob Health 2017; 1:e000020. [PMID: 28588915 PMCID: PMC5321302 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2015-000020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ETATMBA (Enhancing Training And Technology for Mothers and Babies in Africa) project-trained associate clinicians (ACs/clinical officers) as advanced clinical leaders in emergency obstetric and neonatal care. This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of training on obstetric health outcomes in Malawi. Method A cluster randomised controlled trial with 14 districts of Malawi (8 intervention, 6 control) as units of randomisation. Intervention districts housed the 46 ACs who received the training programme. The primary outcome was district (health facility-based) perinatal mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included maternal mortality ratios, neonatal mortality rate, obstetric and birth variables. The study period was 2011–2013. Mortality rates/ratios were examined using an interrupted time series (ITS) to identify trends over time. Results The ITS reveals an improving trend in perinatal mortality across both groups, but better in the control group (intervention, effect −3.58, SE 2.65, CI (−9.85 to 2.69), p=0.20; control, effect −17.79, SE 6.83, CI (−33.95 to −1.64), p=0.03). Maternal mortality ratios are seen to have improved in intervention districts while worsening in the control districts (intervention, effect −38.11, SE 50.30, CI (−157.06 to 80.84), p=0.47; control, effect 11.55, SE 87.72, CI (−195.87 to 218.98), p=0.90). There was a 31% drop in neonatal mortality rate in intervention districts while in control districts, the rate rises by 2%. There are no significant differences in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusions This is one of the first randomised studies looking at the effect of structured training on health outcomes in this setting. Notwithstanding a number of limitations, this study suggests that up-skilling this cadre is possible, and could impact positively on health outcomes. Trial registration number ISRCTN63294155; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Ellard
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - David Davies
- Educational Development & Research Team, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Doug Simkiss
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Francis Kamwendo
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Malawi University, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chisale Mhango
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala
- Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Department of Mathematics and Information sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joseph Paul O'Hare
- Division of Metabolic & Vascular Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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10
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Walker S, Breslin E, Scamell M, Parker P. Effectiveness of vaginal breech birth training strategies: An integrative review of the literature. Birth 2017; 44:101-109. [PMID: 28211102 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety of vaginal breech birth depends on the skill of the attendant. The objective of this review was to identify, synthesize, and report the findings of evaluated breech birth training strategies. METHODS A systematic search of the following on-line databases: Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsychINFO, EBM Reviews/Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant Care, and Pubmed, using a structured search strategy. Studies were included in the review if they evaluated the efficacy of a breech birth training program or particular strategies, including obstetric emergency training evaluations that reported differentiated outcomes for breech. Out of 1040 original citings, 303 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 17 methodologically diverse studies met the inclusion criteria. A data collection form was used to extract relevant information. Data were synthesized, using an evaluation levels framework, including reaction, learning (subjective and objective assessment), and behavioral change. RESULTS No evaluations included clinical outcome data. Improvements in self-assessed skill and confidence were not associated with improvements in objective assessments or behavioral change. Inclusion of breech birth as part of an obstetric emergencies training package without support in practice was negatively associated with subsequent attendance at vaginal breech births. CONCLUSIONS As a result of the heterogeneity of the studies available, and the lack of evidence concerning neonatal or maternal outcomes, no conclusive practice recommendations can be made. However, the studies reviewed suggest that vaginal breech birth training may be enhanced by reflection, repetition, and experienced clinical support in practice. Further evaluation studies should prioritize clinical outcome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Walker
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Eamonn Breslin
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Mandie Scamell
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Pam Parker
- Department for Learning Enhancement and Development, City, University of London, London, UK
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11
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Boene H, Vidler M, Augusto O, Sidat M, Macete E, Menéndez C, Sawchuck D, Qureshi R, von Dadelszen P, Munguambe K, Sevene E. Community health worker knowledge and management of pre-eclampsia in southern Mozambique. Reprod Health 2016; 13:105. [PMID: 27719683 PMCID: PMC5056526 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-016-0220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mozambique has drastically improved an array of health indicators in recent years, including maternal mortality rates which decreased 63 % from 1990–2013 but the rates still high. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia constitute the third major cause of maternal death in the country. Women in rural areas, with limited access to health facilities are at greatest risk. This study aimed to assess the current state of knowledge and the regular practices regarding pre-eclampsia and eclampsia by community health workers in southern Mozambique. Methods This mixed methods study was conducted from 2013 to 2014, in Maputo and Gaza Provinces, southern Mozambique. Self-administered questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with CHWs, district medical officers, community health workers’ supervisors, Gynaecologists-Obstetricians and matrons. Quantitative data were entered into a database written in REDCap and subsequently analyzed using Stata 13. Qualitative data was imported into NVivo10 for thematic analysis. Results Ninety-three percent of CHW had some awareness of pregnancy complications. Forty-one percent were able to describe the signs and symptoms of hypertension. In cases of eclampsia, CHWs reported to immediately refer the women. The vast majority of the CHWs surveyed reported that they could neither measure blood pressure nor proteinuria (90 %). Fewer reported confidence in providing oral antihypertensives (14 %) or injections in pregnancy (5 %). The other community health care providers are matrons. They do not formally offer health services, but assists pregnant women in case of an emergency. Regarding pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, matrons were unable to recognise these biomedical terms. Conclusions Although CHWs are aware of pregnancy complications, they hold limited knowledge specific to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. There is a need to promote studies to evaluate the impact of enhancing their training to include additional content related to the identification and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0220-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Boene
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, CP 1929, Moçambique
| | - Marianne Vidler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z4H4, Canada
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, CP 1929, Moçambique.,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Faculdade de Medicina, Av. Salvador Allende, 702 R/C, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Faculdade de Medicina, Av. Salvador Allende, 702 R/C, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, CP 1929, Moçambique.,Ministério da Saúde, Av. Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, 1008, Moçambique
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, CP 1929, Moçambique.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) /Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Calle Rosselló, 132, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Diane Sawchuck
- Department of Research, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Victoria, V8R 1J8, Canada
| | - Rahat Qureshi
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, CP 1929, Moçambique.,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Faculdade de Medicina, Av. Salvador Allende, 702 R/C, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, CP 1929, Moçambique. .,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Faculdade de Medicina, Av. Salvador Allende, 702 R/C, Maputo, Moçambique.
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12
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Ellard DR, Shemdoe A, Mazuguni F, Mbaruku G, Davies D, Kihaile P, Pemba S, Bergström S, Nyamtema A, Mohamed HM, O'Hare JP. Can training non-physician clinicians/associate clinicians (NPCs/ACs) in emergency obstetric, neonatal care and clinical leadership make a difference to practice and help towards reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality in rural Tanzania? The ETATMBA project. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e008999. [PMID: 26873044 PMCID: PMC4762145 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During late 2010, 36 trainees including 19 assistant medical officers (AMOs) 1 senior clinical officer (CO) and 16 nurse midwives/nurses were recruited from districts across rural Tanzania and invited to join the Enhancing Human Resources and Use of Appropriate Technologies for Maternal and Perinatal Survival in the sub-Saharan Africa (ETATMBA) training programme. The ETATMBA project was training associate clinicians (ACs) as advanced clinical leaders in emergency obstetric care. The trainees returned to health facilities across the country with the hope of being able to apply their new skills and knowledge. The main aim of this study was to explore the impact of the ETATMBA training on health outcomes including maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in their facilities. Secondly, to explore the challenges faced in working in these health facilities. DESIGN The study is a pre-examination/postexamination of maternal and neonatal health indicators and a survey of health facilities in rural Tanzania. The facilities surveyed were those in which ETATMBA trainees were placed post-training. The maternal and neonatal indicators were collected for 2011 and 2013 and the survey of the facilities was in early 2014. RESULTS 16 of 17 facilities were surveyed. Maternal deaths show a non-significant downward trend over the 2 years (282-232 cases/100,000 live births). There were no significant differences in maternal, neonatal and birth complication variables across the time-points. The survey of facilities revealed shortages in key areas and some are a serious concern. CONCLUSIONS This study represents a snapshot of rural health facilities providing maternal and neonatal care in Tanzania. Enhancing knowledge, practical skills, and clinical leadership of ACs may have a positive impact on health outcomes. However, any impact may be confounded by the significant challenges in delivering a service in terms of resources. Thus, training may be beneficial, but it requires an infrastructure that supports it.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Ellard
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Davies
- Educational Development & Research Team, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Paul Kihaile
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Senga Pemba
- Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Staffan Bergström
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelo Nyamtema
- Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | | | - Joseph Paul O'Hare
- Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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13
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Ellard DR, Shemdoe A, Mazuguni F, Mbaruku G, Davies D, Kihaile P, Pemba S, Bergström S, Nyamtema A, Mohamed HM, O'Hare JP. A qualitative process evaluation of training for non-physician clinicians/associate clinicians (NPCs/ACs) in emergency maternal, neonatal care and clinical leadership, impact on clinical services improvements in rural Tanzania: the ETATMBA project. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e009000. [PMID: 26873045 PMCID: PMC4762120 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Enhancing Human Resources and Use of Appropriate Training for Maternal and Perinatal Survival in sub-Saharan Africa (ETATMBA) project is training non-physician clinicians as advanced clinical leaders in emergency maternal and newborn care in Tanzania and Malawi. The main aims of this process evaluation were to explore the implementation of the programme of training in Tanzania, how it was received, how or if the training has been implemented into practice and the challenges faced along the way. DESIGN Qualitative interviews with trainees, trainers, district officers and others exploring the application of the training into practice. PARTICIPANTS During late 2010 and 2011, 36 trainees including 19 assistant medical officers one senior clinical officer and 16 nurse midwives/nurses (anaesthesia) were recruited from districts across rural Tanzania and invited to join the ETATMBA training programme. RESULTS Trainees (n=36) completed the training returning to 17 facilities, two left and one died shortly after training. Of the remaining trainees, 27 were interviewed at their health facility. Training was well received and knowledge and skills were increased. There were a number of challenges faced by trainees, not least that their new skills could not be practised because the facilities they returned to were not upgraded. Nonetheless, there is evidence that the training is having an effect locally on health outcomes, like maternal and neonatal mortality, and the trainees are sharing their new knowledge and skills with others. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of this evaluation is encouraging but highlights that there are many ongoing challenges relating to infrastructure (including appropriate facilities, electricity and water) and the availability of basic supplies and drugs. This cadre of workers is a dedicated and valuable resource that can make a difference, which with better support could make a greater contribution to healthcare in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Ellard
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Davies
- Educational Development & Research Team, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Paul Kihaile
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Senga Pemba
- Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Staffan Bergström
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelo Nyamtema
- Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | | | - Joseph Paul O'Hare
- Division of Metabolic & Vascular Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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14
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Li H, Wang Z, Jiang N, Liu Y, Wen D. Lifelong learning of Chinese rural physicians: preliminary psychometrics and influencing factors. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2015; 15:192. [PMID: 26519057 PMCID: PMC4628275 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-015-0460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are more than 4.9 million rural health workers undertaking the health care need of rural population of over 629 million in China. The lifelong learning of physicians is vital in maintaining up-to-date and qualified health care, but rural physicians in many developing countries lack adequate medical professional developments. There has also been no empirical research focused on the lifelong learning of rural physician populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the primary levels of lifelong learning of the rural physicians and to analyze group differences. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1197 rural physicians using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Lifelong Learning (JSPLL). Cronbach's α coefficient, exploratory factor analysis, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS For Chinese rural physicians, the JSPLL was reliable (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.872) and valid, with exploratory factor analysis fitting a 3-factor model and accounting for a total of 60.46 % of the variance. The mean lifelong learning score was 45.56. Rural physicians generally performed worse in the technical skills in seeking information domain. Rural physicians with 21-30 working years have a lower score of lifelong learning (P < 0.05) than other phases of working years. Career satisfaction and professional titles had a significantly positive influence on physicians' orientation towards lifelong learning (P < 0.05). The overall lifelong learning scores of physicians who received more training after completion of medical school were higher than those with less additional post-medical school training (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The JSPLL is effective for the Chinese rural physician population. In order to cope with impacting factors on rural physicians' lifelong learning, the results of the study reinforced the importance of continuing medical education and career satisfaction for lifelong learning and the need for medical schools and hospitals to provide reasonable strategies and necessary support for rural physicians with different amounts of working years. Providing rural physicians more educational opportunities and helping them access educational resources may be an effective strategy for improving their orientation to lifelong learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghe Li
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
- Research Center for Medical Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Ziwei Wang
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
- Research Center for Medical Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Nan Jiang
- Research Center for Medical Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Deliang Wen
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.
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15
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Emergency obstetric care: Making the impossible possible through task shifting. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2015; 131 Suppl 1:S6-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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