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Supporting midwives in delivering evidence-based public health recommendations: Effectiveness of a Safe Infant Sleeping E-learning program
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Supporting midwives in delivering evidence-based public health recommendations: Effectiveness of a Safe Infant Sleeping E-learning program

Jeanine Young, N Higgins, Leanne Raven, A Williams, R Ferguson and M Bergin
Women and Birth, Vol.24(Supplement 1), pp.S19-S20
Biennial Australian College of Midwives (ACM) National Conference: A Midwifery Oddessy, 17th (Sydney, Australia, 18-Oct-2011–21-Oct-2011)
2011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2011.07.073
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2011.07.073View
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Abstract

Medical and Health Sciences
Background: Sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) remain one of the leading causes of infant mortality in Australia. Midwives have a key role in supporting parents to use safe sleeping recommendations demonstrated to reduce infant death. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based e-learning program in positively impacting health professional knowledge and knowledge application relating to SUDI and safe sleeping recommendations. Method: A pre-test/post-test design evaluated knowledge and knowledge application in a sample of health professionals completing the Safe Infant Sleeping E-learning program. The three-module program had an in-built evaluation to benchmark prior knowledge, and post-module quizzes to complete following each module. Participant test scores were calculated, including a mean post-test score. Pre-test-post-test changes were analysed using paired ttests; sample subsets were compared using independent t-tests. Results: During the five-month enrolment period, 2738 participants enrolled with 1088 participants completing the program; predominantly nurses and midwives (1026, 94%) from Queensland. Pretest results (n = 1088) identified deficits in knowledge and application to risk factor assessment and evidence-based parent advice [mean pretest score 70% (±SD 11.09], while nurses and midwives had a higher mean pretest score [71% (±SD 10.5)] compared to other health professionals [63% (±SD 16.4), p less than 0.0001]. Participant scores significantly increased posttest [pretest 70% vs post-test average 87%, p less than 0.0001). Public sector staff were significantly higher pretest than private sector (70.8% vs 63.9%, p = 0.002), however post-test scores were similar (88.6% vs 86.9%, p = 0.7). Post-test mean scores for nurses and midwives compared with other health professionals were also similar (87% vs 88%, p = 0.05). Implications for midwifery education: This innovative e-learning program was effective in significantly improving relevant knowledge and knowledge application relating to safe sleeping public health recommendations for midwives who care for families with young infants. Conclusions: Consistent delivery of evidence-based information relating to safe sleeping will support midwives in their key role as parent educators about public health initiatives that promote infant health and reduce mortality.

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Nursing
Obstetrics & Gynecology
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