A systematic review of the effectiveness of training in emergency obstetric care in low-resource environments

Training of healthcare workers can play an important role in improving quality of care, and reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

To assess the effectiveness of training programmes aimed at improving emergency obstetric care in low-resource environments.

We searched Pubmed, Embase, Popline and selected websites, and manually searched bibliographies of selected articles. Language was not an exclusion criterion.

All papers describing postgraduate training programmes aimed at improving emergency obstetric care in low-resource environments were included.

Two reviewers independently extracted the data and classified these according to the level of the measured effects (reaction of participants, improved knowledge and skills, changes in behaviour and outcomes in practice). Any disagreements were resolved by discussion with a third author until agreement was reached.

A total of 38 papers were selected. Training programmes vary considerably in length, content and design. The evaluation of effects is often hampered by inadequate study design and the use of non-validated measuring instruments. Most papers describe positive reactions, increased knowledge and skills, and improved behaviour after training. Outcome is assessed less frequently, and positive effects are not always demonstrated. Measures that can contribute to a positive effect of training programmes include hands-on practise, team approaches and follow-up on training efforts.

Training programmes may improve quality of care, but strong evidence is lacking. Policymakers need to include evaluation and reporting of effects in project budgets for new training programmes.