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Imminent birth education for rural and remote settings: An evaluation study
Author(s) -
Connell Jane,
Kelly Jenny,
Nagle Cate
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12547
Subject(s) - workforce , nursing , medicine , rural health , health care , medical education , program evaluation , rural area , face to face , political science , philosophy , pathology , epistemology , law , public administration
Objective To describe the development and evaluation of an educational resource that aimed to provide the non‐midwifery workforce in rural and remote health facilities with basic knowledge and skills to assist women who present when birth is imminent. Design Descriptive methods using surveys were employed to evaluate the resource named the Imminent Birth Education Program. Participants Health professionals employed in Queensland Health rural and remote non‐birthing facilities. Intervention An evidence‐based, blended educational program comprising an online component, a face‐to‐face workshop and an education package for midwives to facilitate the workshop in their health service. Results More than 600 participants completed the online course component, and the majority of these participants were employed in non‐birthing facilities. Throughout the project, two project officers facilitated face‐to‐face workshops, training participants to facilitate the workshop in their own health services. The reach of the Imminent Birth Education Program was statewide with clinical staff from all 16 Hospital and Health Services participating. Conclusion The uptake of the Imminent Birth Education Program has been widespread across the state and positively evaluated by the rural and remote non‐midwifery workforce in non‐birthing facilities. This evidence‐based program is an effective way to provide the knowledge, skills and confidence to assist health professionals to care for women who present to these facilities when birth is imminent.