Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach
Abstract Background Significant differences in outcomes for mothers and babies following obstetric surgical interventions between low- and middle-income countries and high-income settings have demonstrated a need for improvements in quality of care and training of obstetric surgical and anaesthetic...
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| Format: | Article |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06660-7 |
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| author | Helen Allott Alan Smith Sarah White Irene Nyaoke Ogoti Evans Michael Oriwo Oduor Steven Karangau Sheila Sawe Nassir Shaaban Ochola Ephraim Charles Anawo Ameh |
| author_facet | Helen Allott Alan Smith Sarah White Irene Nyaoke Ogoti Evans Michael Oriwo Oduor Steven Karangau Sheila Sawe Nassir Shaaban Ochola Ephraim Charles Anawo Ameh |
| author_sort | Helen Allott |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Significant differences in outcomes for mothers and babies following obstetric surgical interventions between low- and middle-income countries and high-income settings have demonstrated a need for improvements in quality of care and training of obstetric surgical and anaesthetic providers. To address this, a five-day face-to-face training intervention was developed. When roll-out was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the course was redesigned for delivery by blended learning. Methods This 3-part blended-learning course (part-1: 15 h self-directed online learning, part-2: 13 h facilitated contemporaneous virtual workshops and part-3: 10 h face-to-face delivery), was conducted in Kenya. We assessed the completion rate of part-1 (21 assignments), participation rate in parts 2 and 3, participant satisfaction and change in knowledge and skills. Additionally, we compared the cost of the blended delivery to the 5-day face-to-face delivery, in GB pounds. Results Sixty-five doctors participated in part 1, with 53 completing at least 90% of the assignments. Sixty doctors participated in part 2, and 53 participated in part 3. All participants who completed an evaluation reported (n = 53) that the training was relevant, useful and would lead to changes in their clinical practice. Mean (SD) knowledge score improved from 64% (7%) to 80% (8%) and practical skills from 44% (14%) to 87% (7%). The blended course achieved a cost-saving of £204 per participant compared to the 5-day face-to-face delivery approach. Conclusion We have demonstrated that a blended learning approach to clinical training in a low-resource setting is feasible, acceptable and cost effective. More studies are required to investigate the effectiveness of this approach on health outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-80dd943356a84709b59cd6f42d394139 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-80dd943356a84709b59cd6f42d3941392025-01-19T12:27:37ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-01-0125111010.1186/s12909-025-06660-7Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approachHelen Allott0Alan Smith1Sarah White2Irene Nyaoke3Ogoti Evans4Michael Oriwo Oduor5Steven Karangau6Sheila Sawe7Nassir Shaaban8Ochola Ephraim9Charles Anawo Ameh10Emergency Obstetric Care and Quality of Care Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)Emergency Obstetric Care and Quality of Care Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)Emergency Obstetric Care and Quality of Care Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine KenyaDirectorate of Reproductive Health, Moi University Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)Bondo Subcounty HospitalMuriranjas Subcounty HospitalDirectorate of Reproductive Health, Moi University Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)Directorate of Reproductive Health, Moi University Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)Directorate of Reproductive Health, Moi University Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)Emergency Obstetric Care and Quality of Care Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)Abstract Background Significant differences in outcomes for mothers and babies following obstetric surgical interventions between low- and middle-income countries and high-income settings have demonstrated a need for improvements in quality of care and training of obstetric surgical and anaesthetic providers. To address this, a five-day face-to-face training intervention was developed. When roll-out was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the course was redesigned for delivery by blended learning. Methods This 3-part blended-learning course (part-1: 15 h self-directed online learning, part-2: 13 h facilitated contemporaneous virtual workshops and part-3: 10 h face-to-face delivery), was conducted in Kenya. We assessed the completion rate of part-1 (21 assignments), participation rate in parts 2 and 3, participant satisfaction and change in knowledge and skills. Additionally, we compared the cost of the blended delivery to the 5-day face-to-face delivery, in GB pounds. Results Sixty-five doctors participated in part 1, with 53 completing at least 90% of the assignments. Sixty doctors participated in part 2, and 53 participated in part 3. All participants who completed an evaluation reported (n = 53) that the training was relevant, useful and would lead to changes in their clinical practice. Mean (SD) knowledge score improved from 64% (7%) to 80% (8%) and practical skills from 44% (14%) to 87% (7%). The blended course achieved a cost-saving of £204 per participant compared to the 5-day face-to-face delivery approach. Conclusion We have demonstrated that a blended learning approach to clinical training in a low-resource setting is feasible, acceptable and cost effective. More studies are required to investigate the effectiveness of this approach on health outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06660-7CaesareanSurgeryTrainingQuality of careEducationBlended learning |
| spellingShingle | Helen Allott Alan Smith Sarah White Irene Nyaoke Ogoti Evans Michael Oriwo Oduor Steven Karangau Sheila Sawe Nassir Shaaban Ochola Ephraim Charles Anawo Ameh Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach BMC Medical Education Caesarean Surgery Training Quality of care Education Blended learning |
| title | Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach |
| title_full | Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach |
| title_fullStr | Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach |
| title_short | Improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery: evaluation of a blended learning approach |
| title_sort | improving capacity for advanced training in obstetric surgery evaluation of a blended learning approach |
| topic | Caesarean Surgery Training Quality of care Education Blended learning |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06660-7 |
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