title: Using the cascade model to improve antenatal screening for the hemoglobin disorders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The inherited hemoglobin disorders constitute a major public health problem. Facilitators (experienced hemoglobin counselors) were trained to deliver knowledge and skills to "frontline" practitioners to enable them to support parents during antenatal screening via a cascade (train-the-trainer) model. Objectives of evaluation were to explore the extent that the cascade model was perceived to be embedded in practice, identify enablers and barriers to effective cascading, assess the feasibility of incorporating e-learning into the model, and obtain the facilitators' perceptions of the change process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups and interviews were undertaken with 50 facilitators. Data were analyzed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cascading was influenced by contextual factors operating in the work environment, especially workload, existing roles and responsibilities and adequate preparation. Facilitators' confidence and perceptions of success varied for individuals in the same workplace exposed to the same opportunities to receive and deliver training. Cascading could by enhanced by carefully selecting potential facilitators, training needs assessment to identify the knowledge and skills required by individuals, and follow-up to offer ongoing support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evaluation demonstrated the importance of contextual and individual factors to successful cascading and the feasibility of combining it with e-learning. Future evaluations should consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, namely managers, recipients of cascading and clients, and cost-effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: City University London, London, UK. d.gould@city.ac.uk
authors.forename: Dinah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: Irena
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis
chemical_list: D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal