Mobile Virtual Simulation Training in Essential Newborn Care for Healthcare Workers in Low and Middle Income Countries

Overview

Intrapartum asphyxia and prematurity are the leading causes of neonatal mortality in low and middle income countries. Neonatal resuscitation training reduces asphyxia-related newborn mortality and morbidity, but in the absence of continuing low-dose, high frequency practice, these initial gains rapidly decay. The investigators propose to develop and evaluate innovative mobile virtual simulations for refresher training on neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care to support the retention of knowledge and skills among health care workers in low and middle income countries.

The main goal of this study is to improve newborn mortality and morbidity by using affordable and accessible mobile virtual simulations to provide quality skills training and maintenance for healthcare workers in Low/Middle income countries (LMIC). The investigators hypothesize that mobile devices will provide a readily accessible, standardized alternative to in-person training to maintain skills. This study has the following Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1: Co-develop and pilot test the usability and efficacy of mobile virtual simulations on early newborn care skills among healthcare workers who attend deliveries in community and health facility-based settings. Specific Aim 2: Evaluate the impact of the mobile virtual essential newborn care (vENC) training on neonatal resuscitation and care educational indicators and performance outcomes among healthcare workers who provide newborn care in community and health facility-based settings. Specific Aim 3: Evaluate the impact of virtual simulation refresher training on the rates of neonatal mortality in primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Nigeria.