Peer Learning and HBB in Managing Maternal Newborn and Child Health Emergencies in Rural Uganda (SimForLife)

Use of Simulation Based Education With Peer Learning to Enhance HBB Training for Managing Maternal Newborn and Child Health Emergencies in Rural Uganda: A Cluster-randomized Trial

The aim of this study is to test an intervention that has potential to improve acute care skills and confidence related to safe delivery and newborn care for mid-level health providers in Uganda by the development of a 'mobile' simulation package including scale-up materials based upon research evidence. In this randomized study investigators will compare the impact of a peer learning package on skills, knowledge and team work regarding newborn care among health workers in rural south western Uganda.

The aim of this study is to test an intervention that has potential to improve acute care skills and confidence related to safe delivery and newborn care for mid-level health providers in Uganda by the development of a 'mobile' simulation package including scale-up materials based upon research evidence. In this randomized study investigators will compare the impact of a peer learning package on skills, knowledge and team work regarding newborn care among health workers in rural south western Uganda. The cluster randomized study will have two arms; intervention arm receives peer learning program. In this program, two health workers at the same health facility teach each other using case scenarios. The case scenarios will be based on common neonatal conditions such as neonatal sepsis, hypothermia and prematurity. The two study arms will both receive training on HBB and Essential care for every baby (ECEB)

Ability to perform key maternal, new born and child health emergency procedures measured using Multiple choice questions (MCQs). A composite score with a maximum of 100% will be computed from these MCQs

Ability to work as a team through communication, sharing roles and completing tasks together measured using the Clinical Teamwork scale (CTS). A composite score will be computed by adding up all the items on the CTS scale. CTS has 15 items, each item with a maximum score of 10

Inclusion Criteria: Health workers involved in performing deliveries of mothers at health center IVs and IIIs (i.e, county and subcounty level) Exclusion Criteria: Health facilities based in municipalities, urban dwellings

Data S, Mirette D, Cherop M, Bajunirwe F, Kyakwera C, Robinson T, Josephine NN, Abesiga L, Namata T, Brenner JL, Singhal N, Twine M, Wishart I, McIntosh H, Cheng A. Peer Learning and Mentorship for Neonatal Management Skills: A Cluster-Randomized Trial. Pediatrics. 2022 Aug 1;150(2):e2021054471. doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-054471.