The impact of training on self-reported performance in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health service delivery among healthcare workers in Tanzania: a baseline- and endline-survey

Abstract

Plain language summary Reproductive maternal and newborn health (RMNH) in low- and middle-income countries continue to face critical challenges. Training healthcare workers especially using a combined approach (training followed by immediate clinical mentorship) in RMNH have been documented as an essential strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low-and middle-income countries closer to those in high-income countries. This study investigated the effectiveness of a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) trainings on performance among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region. The study included a sample of 216 participants with before and after intervention groups comprising of 95 participants and control group comprising of 121 participants. The findings revealed that in comparison between before and after intervention groups all dimensions of the self-reported TNA questionnaire had a statistically significant difference. However, the comparison between intervention and controls groups indicated a statistical significant difference on leadership skills, intra-operative care, Comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEMONC) and overall RMNH self-reported performance. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that healthcare workers’ self-identified and prioritized training needs that are supported with clinical mentorship results in significant positive changes in performance across a wide range of RMNH tasks. Therefore, conducting TNA that is followed by training and mentorship according to the identified needs among healthcare workers plays a significant role in improving performance on RMNH services among healthcare workers.

Keywords

• Reproductive health
• Intervention
• Control
• Self-reported performance
• Training need analysis
• Healthcare workers