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Mwanga JR, Hokororo A, Ndosi H, Masenge T, Kalabamu FS, Tawfik D, Mediratta RP, Rozenfeld B, Berg M, Smith ZH, Chami N, Mkopi NP, Mwanga C, Diocles E, Agweyu A, Meaney PA. Evaluating the Implementation of the Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE) Program in Northwestern Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Study Guided by Normalization Process Theory. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4432440. [PMID: 38854141 PMCID: PMC11160918 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4432440/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background In low- and -middle-income countries (LMICs) like Tanzania, the competency of healthcare providers critically influences the quality of pediatric care. To address this, we introduced PACE (Pediatric Acute Care Education), an adaptive e-learning program tailored to enhance provider competency in line with Tanzania's national guidelines for managing seriously ill children. Adaptive e-learning presents a promising alternative to traditional in-service education, yet optimal strategies for its implementation in LMIC settings remain to be fully elucidated. Objectives This study aimed to (1) evaluate the initial implementation of PACE in Mwanza, Tanzania, using the constructs of Normalization Process Theory (NPT), and (2) provide insights into its feasibility, acceptability, and scalability potential. Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed across three healthcare settings in Mwanza: a zonal hospital and two health centers. NPT was utilized to navigate the complexities of implementing PACE. Data collection involved a customized NoMAD survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers. Results The study engaged 82 healthcare providers through the NoMAD survey and 79 in focus groups and interviews. Findings indicated high levels of coherence and cognitive participation, demonstrating that PACE is well-understood and resonates with existing healthcare goals. Providers expressed a willingness to integrate PACE into their practice, distinguishing it from existing educational methods. However, challenges related to resources and infrastructure, particularly affecting collective action, were noted. The short duration of the study limited the assessment of reflexive monitoring, though early indicators point towards the potential for PACE's long-term sustainability. Conclusion This study offers vital insights into the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PACE in a Tanzanian context. While PACE aligns well with healthcare objectives, addressing resource and infrastructure challenges is crucial for its successful and sustainable implementation. Furthermore, the study underscores the value of NPT as a framework in guiding implementation processes, with broader implications for implementation science and pediatric acute care in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc Berg
- Stanford University School of Medicine
| | | | - Neema Chami
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences
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Meaney PA, Hokororo A, Ndosi H, Dahlen A, Jacob T, Mwanga JR, Kalabamu FS, Joyce CL, Mediratta R, Rozenfeld B, Berg M, Smith ZH, Chami N, Mkopi N, Mwanga C, Diocles E, Agweyu A. Implementing adaptive e-learning for newborn care in Tanzania: an observational study of provider engagement and knowledge gains. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077834. [PMID: 38309746 PMCID: PMC10840034 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077834] [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] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To improve healthcare provider knowledge of Tanzanian newborn care guidelines, we developed adaptive Essential and Sick Newborn Care (aESNC), an adaptive e-learning environment. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess implementation success with use of in-person support and nudging strategy and (2) describe baseline provider knowledge and metacognition. METHODS 6-month observational study at one zonal hospital and three health centres in Mwanza, Tanzania. To assess implementation success, we used the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework and to describe baseline provider knowledge and metacognition we used Howell's conscious-competence model. Additionally, we explored provider characteristics associated with initial learning completion or persistent activity. RESULTS aESNC reached 85% (195/231) of providers: 75 medical, 53 nursing and 21 clinical officers; 110 (56%) were at the zonal hospital and 85 (44%) at health centres. Median clinical experience was 4 years (IQR 1-9) and 45 (23%) had previous in-service training for both newborn essential and sick newborn care. Efficacy was 42% (SD ±17%). Providers averaged 78% (SD ±31%) completion of initial learning and 7% (SD ±11%) of refresher assignments. 130 (67%) providers had ≥1 episode of inactivity >30 day, no episodes were due to lack of internet access. Baseline conscious-competence was 53% (IQR: 38%-63%), unconscious-incompetence 32% (IQR: 23%-42%), conscious-incompetence 7% (IQR: 2%-15%), and unconscious-competence 2% (IQR: 0%-3%). Higher baseline conscious-competence (OR 31.6 (95% CI 5.8 to 183.5)) and being a nursing officer (aOR: 5.6 (95% CI 1.8 to 18.1)), compared with medical officer, were associated with initial learning completion or persistent activity. CONCLUSION aESNC reach was high in a population of frontline providers across diverse levels of care in Tanzania. Use of in-person support and nudging increased reach, initial learning and refresher assignment completion, but refresher assignment completion remains low. Providers were often unaware of knowledge gaps, and lower baseline knowledge may decrease initial learning completion or activity. Further study to identify barriers to adaptive e-learning normalisation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andrew Meaney
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Critical Care, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Adolfine Hokororo
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Bugando Consultant and Referral Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Hanston Ndosi
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Alex Dahlen
- New York University Division of Biostatistics, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Joseph R Mwanga
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Behavioural Sciences School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Christine Lynn Joyce
- Critical Care, Cornell University Department of Pediatrics, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rishi Mediratta
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Marc Berg
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Critical Care, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Zachary Haines Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Neema Chami
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Bugando Consultant and Referral Hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Namala Mkopi
- Pediatric Critical Care, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Enock Diocles
- Nursing, Mwanza College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Ambrose Agweyu
- Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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