Task shifting for maternal and neonatal care in low-resource settings: A mixed-methods evaluation of a midwifery training program in rural Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In an effort to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, a rural health system in Papua New Guinea implemented a two-week midwifery training program for 47 nurses and community health workers. We evaluated this program by administering pre- and post-training knowledge tests, focus group discussions, a clinical vignette task, and key informant interviews. Participants improved significantly in their midwifery knowledge and demonstrated effective care in the clinical vignettes. Participants described the training as novel and beneficial. Program leaders were motivated to scale up the program and assess community-level impact. This program has strong potential to improve local obstetric care capacity.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank our partners at the Lemakot Health Center, Australian Doctors International, and Heart to Heart International for their support and insights. We are grateful to the community health workers for their time and insights, and to the team of trainers who provided feedback throughout this work. We would like to also acknowledge Donnalee Frega from the Duke University School of Nursing for her assistance in copyediting this manuscript.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.