Collaborative Implementation Strategy for Newborn Resuscitation and Essential Care Training in the Dominican Republic

Area of Science:

• Global health
• Medical education
• Neonatal care

Background:

• Neonatal mortality remains high globally, particularly in developing nations like the Dominican Republic (DR).
• Despite access to care, the DR faces significant neonatal mortality challenges.
• Effective strategies are needed to build professional capacity and strengthen healthcare systems for improved neonatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate evidence-based newborn resuscitation and essential care training programs in the Dominican Republic.
• To address barriers to skill retention through mentorship and regular practice.
• To foster international collaboration for sustainable newborn health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A train-the-trainer model was used to deliver combined Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) and Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB) programs.
• Integrated quality improvement (QI) initiatives and ongoing monitoring systems were established.
• Cognitive, affective, behavioral, and clinical outcomes were measured.

Main Results:

• 17 local champions were trained as master trainers, developing QI tools for performance monitoring.
• 178 and 171 providers completed HBB and ECEB training, respectively.
• The Ministry of Health has taken responsibility for program sustainability and scale-up.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative international partnerships facilitated the scalable and sustainable implementation of newborn care training in the DR.
• The initiative empowered the local workforce to improve care for vulnerable newborns.
• The program demonstrated a model for strengthening healthcare systems and improving clinical outcomes.