NICHE collects feedback on increased confidence levels in certain skills taught on the Neonatal Care Course. Proving that neonatal mortality is falling as a result of our project is our long-term aim but measuring this outcome is a challenge. There are so many confounding factors in any clean data that is actually collected that it is almost impossible to prove that one intervention like this has any statistically significant effect on neonatal mortality.
It is more productive to measure shorter term outcomes which are known to correlate positively with an improvement in neonatal survival. We gather feedback from our learners on the usefulness of the course, their prior experience, suggestions for the future etc. but also on their increase in confidence levels in the practice of various skills taught on the course. The template for our feedback forms is based on one promoted by the UK’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health for use on training courses.
Variations in self-confidence are known to influence motivation and tend to predict performance success. Research has shown that health professionals with confidence are more likely to “have a go” at things they have learnt about and, with this attitude and an appropriate level of supervision, will come increasing competence over time.
The increase in confidence in managing premature babies is particularly important in Zimbabwe where preterm births make up a higher percentage of neonatal deaths than in other comparable countries for reasons which are not immediately clear.
Some of the free text comments:
The course was empowering and I feel confident to handle any neonatal cases also teach the practical skills as this is part of my work. I liked the unique practical sessions with a lot of activity and practise. Thanksyou!
I liked the use of CPAP and cleaning of filters. I also liked the delay to remove baby on skin to skin for baby to find its mother’s breast. Thank you for teaching us and giving us knowledge. Call again.
I liked that the course was very interactive. The small groups are really useful in boosting confidence. I enjoyed the simulations & a safe environment for learning, not testing/examining.
The course taught a lot abnout management of neonates and how to identify problems associated with newborns. i suggest the course continue to be done to more health care workers conry wide to promote neborn care and reduce neonatal mortaity.
The facilittors explaained really well and were really knowledgeable aand encouraging. Gained a vast amount of practical skills and my confidence has improved greatly. Maybe if the course could be longer to gsin more skills.
the course was very informative and educative empowering me to care for the baby preterm, unwell and how to improvise CPAP machine using the oxygen concentrator very good to know about it. I was well equipped with the information and like to meet the whole group. You were excellent teachers
Very educative, felt empowered. God bless you all.
Feedback is always good about the method of teaching and content and it is rewarding to see that people felt supported and safe. We always receive comments about the course needing to be longer (but can’t do much about that). We removed the assessment element this time round and we were pleased to see a positive comment on that. I personally am delighted to see the word “empower” appear throughout the feedback because – for me – that is what it is all about: empowering the frontline healthcare workers (including ourselves) to change practices for the good of the babies we are all so motivated to help.
