Improving the breastfeeding knowledge of health professionals.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the breastfeeding knowledge of health professionals can be improved by attending breastfeeding workshops.


METHODS
Health professionals attending a series of two breastfeeding workshops in 1994/1995 were asked to complete the same breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire before and again after the workshops. Issues raised in the questionnaire were discussed during the workshops. These workshops were designed to meet the needs of the attendees, were small in size to encourage active participation, and were based primarily on case studies.


METHODS
Health professionals working with mothers and babies in the southern metropolitan area of Adelaide.


RESULTS
There was a significant improvement in breastfeeding knowledge in the 65 health professionals who attended both workshops and completed both questionnaires (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Breastfeeding workshops of the format used are an effective way of improving breastfeeding knowledge in health professionals.
McIntyre
E
E
Flinders University, South Australia.
Lawlor-Smith
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013021:South Australia