Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare health workers knowledge and skills competencies between those trained using the onsite simulation-based, low-dose, high frequency training plus mobile mentoring (LDHF/m-mentoring) and the ones trained through traditional offsite, group-based training (TRAD) approach in Kogi and Ebonyi states, Nigeria, over a 12-month period.MethodsA prospective cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted by enrolling 299 health workers who provided healthcare to mothers and their babies on the day of birth in 60 health facilities in Kogi and Ebonyi states. These were randomized to either LDHF/m-mentoring (intervention, n = 30 facilities) or traditional group-based training (control, n = 30 facilities) control arm. They received Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (BEmONC) training with simulated practice using anatomic models and role-plays. The control arm was trained offsite while the intervention arm was trained onsite where they worked. Mentorship was done through telephone calls and reminder text messages. The multiple choice questions (MCQs) and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) mean scores were compared; p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data were also collected and content analysis was conducted.ResultsThe mean knowledge scores between the two arms at months 3 and 12 post-training were equally high; no statistically significant differences. Both arms showed improvements in composite scores for assessed BEmONC clinical skills from around 30% at baseline to 75% and above at end line (p < 0.05). Overall, the observed improvement and retention of skills was higher in intervention arm compared to the control arm at 12 months post-training, (p < 0.05). Some LDHF/m-mentoring approach trainees reported that mentors’ support improved their acquisition and maintenance of knowledge and skills, which may have led to reductions in maternal and newborn deaths in their facilities.ConclusionThe LDHF/m-mentoring intervention is more effective than TRAD approach in improving health workers’ skills acquisition and retention. Health care managers should have the option to select the LDHF/m-mentoring learning approach, depending on their country’s priorities or context, as it ensures health workers remain in their place of work during training events thus less disruption to service delivery.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered on August 24, 2017 at ClinicalTrials.Gov: NCT03269240.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to compare health workers knowledge and skills competencies between those trained using the onsite simulation-based, low-dose, high frequency training plus mobile mentoring (LDHF/ m-mentoring) and the ones trained through traditional offsite, group-based training (TRAD) approach in Kogi and Ebonyi states, Nigeria, over a 12-month period
Health care managers should have the option to select the LDHF/mmentoring learning approach, depending on their country’s priorities or context, as it ensures health workers remain in their place of work during training events less disruption to service delivery
The observed improvement and retention of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) skills was higher in LDHF/mmentoring study arm participants (81.1%) compared to the Traditional group-based training (TRAD) arm participants (74.8%) at 12 months post-training (p < 0.05)
Summary
The aim of this study was to compare health workers knowledge and skills competencies between those trained using the onsite simulation-based, low-dose, high frequency training plus mobile mentoring (LDHF/ m-mentoring) and the ones trained through traditional offsite, group-based training (TRAD) approach in Kogi and Ebonyi states, Nigeria, over a 12-month period. As there is limited number and quantity of skilled birth attendants in Nigeria, an evidence-based approach is needed to train health workers to improve competencies and maternal/newborn outcomes [1, 2]. It is expected that all health workers should be trained to the necessary level of competence to perform life-saving procedures on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) functions. These include newborn resuscitation and management of maternal bleeding after birth. Health workers in Nigeria are usually trained using traditional lecture-based, offsite approach where limited number of health workers is trained from each facility at a time and the quality of care may not be improved to the desired level though the use of this approach [3]. Health worker turnover, attrition and transfers affects the quality of services when providers who have been trained are transferred out of the facility or when they leave by themselves
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