Experiential Training Workshops for Group Antenatal Care in Malawi

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Health
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• CenteringPregnancy group antenatal care (ANC) model shows positive perinatal outcomes in the US, leading to global adaptation.
• Effective facilitator training is crucial for the success of group ANC, shifting from didactic to facilitative health education.
• Limited research exists on best practices for training group healthcare facilitators, especially guided by a theoretical framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an experiential learning-based training workshop for group ANC facilitators.
• To provide a blueprint for training that builds facilitator confidence and buy-in for this paradigm-shifting ANC model.
• To utilize Kolb's experiential learning theory to guide the training design.

Main Methods:

• Developed and implemented an experiential learning-based training workshop.
• The training focused on enabling trainees to experience, reflect on, and practice facilitation skills.
• Workshop implemented as part of an effectiveness-implementation trial in Blantyre District, Malawi.

Main Results:

• The experiential training effectively imparted knowledge and built confidence among group ANC facilitators.
• Trainees demonstrated increased buy-in for the Centering-based group ANC model.
• The training blueprint provides a practical guide for developing group ANC facilitator competencies.

Conclusions:

• Experiential learning, guided by Kolb's theory, is an effective framework for training group ANC facilitators.
• This training approach enhances facilitator skills, confidence, and acceptance of the group ANC model.
• The developed blueprint is adaptable for designing and implementing group healthcare training globally and in the US.