1. Evaluation of a novel training package among frontline maternal, newborn, and child health workers in South Sudan.
- Author
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Nelson BD, Ahn R, Fehling M, Eckardt MJ, Conn KL, El-Bashir A, Tiernan M, Purcell G, and Burke TF
- Subjects
- Adult, Attitude of Health Personnel, Checklist, Child, Clinical Competence, Evidence-Based Medicine, Female, Focus Groups, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Middle Aged, Pregnancy, Referral and Consultation statistics & numerical data, Sudan, Surveys and Questionnaires, Child Health Services organization & administration, Health Personnel education, Maternal Health Services organization & administration
- Abstract
Objective: To develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based Maternal, Newborn, and Child Survival (MNCS) package for frontline health workers (FHWs) in South Sudan., Methods: A multimodal needs assessment was conducted to develop a best-evidence package comprised of targeted training, pictorial checklists, and reusable equipment and commodities. Implementation utilized a training-of-trainers model. Program effectiveness was assessed through knowledge assessments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), focus groups, and questionnaires., Results: A total of 72 trainers and 708 FHWs were trained in 7 South Sudan states. Trainer knowledge assessments improved significantly: from 62.7% to 92.0% (P<0.001). Mean FHW scores on maternal OSCEs were 21.1% pre-training, 83.4% post-training, and 61.5% 2-3 months after training (P<0.001). Corresponding mean newborn OSCE scores were 41.6%, 89.8%, and 45.7% (P<0.001). Questionnaires revealed high levels of use, satisfaction, and confidence. FHWs reported an average of 3.0 referrals (range, 0-20) to healthcare facilities during the 2-3 months following training, and 78.3% of FHWs were more likely to refer patients. Seven focus groups showed high satisfaction with trainings, commodities, and checklists, with few barriers., Conclusion: The MNCS package has led to improved FHW knowledge, skills, and referral. A novel package of training, checklists, and equipment can be successfully implemented in resource-limited settings and enhance links between community-based providers and healthcare facilities., (Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2012
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