Impact of a structured, hands-on, surgical skills training program for midwives performing perineal repair

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of structured hands-on training for midwives performing perineal repair. Methods The training was performed using models and ox tongues. A total of 719 midwives completed an anonymous questionnaire prior to and immediately after training. Out of 300 participants, 151 completed a follow-up questionnaire 4 months later. Participants rated their knowledge and skills in the domains of instrument handling, knot tying, and subcuticular perineal repair. Results Compared with the situation before receiving the training, there was a significant increase in the use of the recommended evidence-based technique for perineal repair 4 months after training (28% vs 100%; P < 0.001), and in the mean scores for knowledge and skills in all the domains ( P < 0.001). Participants believed that their patients were happier with the new technique. Conclusions Structured hands-on training is an effective way of improving the skills of midwives performing perineal repair and leads to modification of clinical practice.