title: Evaluation of an educational program for essential newborn care in resource-limited settings: Essential Care for Every Baby.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB) is an evidence-based educational program designed to increase cognitive knowledge and develop skills of health care professionals in essential newborn care in low-resource areas. The course focuses on the immediate care of the newborn after birth and during the first day or until discharge from the health facility. This study assessed the overall design of the course; the ability of facilitators to teach the course; and the knowledge and skills acquired by the learners.
  
  
  METHODS
  Testing occurred at 2 global sites. Data from a facilitator evaluation survey, a learner satisfaction survey, a multiple choice question (MCQ) examination, performance on two objective structured clinical evaluations (OSCE), and pre- and post-course confidence assessments were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Pre-post course differences were examined. Comments on the evaluation form and post-course group discussions were analyzed to identify potential program improvements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using ECEB course material, master trainers taught 12 facilitators in India and 11 in Kenya who subsequently taught 62 providers of newborn care in India and 64 in Kenya. Facilitators and learners were satisfied with their ability to teach and learn from the program. Confidence (3.5 to 5) and MCQ scores (India: pre 19.4, post 24.8; Kenya: pre 20.8, post 25.0) improved (p < 0.001). Most participants demonstrated satisfactory skills on the OSCEs. Qualitative data suggested the course was effective, but also identified areas for course improvement. These included additional time for hands-on practice, including practice in a clinical setting, the addition of video learning aids and the adaptation of content to conform to locally recommended practices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ECEB program was highly acceptable, demonstrated improved confidence, improved knowledge and developed skills. ECEB may improve newborn care in low resource settings if it is part of an overall implementation plan that addresses local needs and serves to further strengthen health systems.
authors.affiliation: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. dranuthukral@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Anu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thukral
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. lockyer@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Jocelyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lockyer
authors.affiliation: Indianappolis Indianna University School of Medicine, ., USA. shbucher@iupui.edu.
authors.forename: Sherri L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bucher
authors.affiliation: University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA. sberkelhamer@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Berkelhamer
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. carl_bose@med.unc.edu.
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bose
authors.affiliation: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. ashokdeorari_56@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ashok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deorari
authors.affiliation: Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya. fesamai2007@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Fabian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Esamai
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. Sfaremo@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faremo
authors.affiliation: St. Louis University, St Louis, USA. keenanwj@slu.edu.
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Keenan
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. Douglas.McMillan@iwk.nshealth.ca.
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado, Aurora, USA. Susan.Niermeyer@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Niermeyer
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. Nalini.Singhal@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singhal
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007630:Kenya; D011181:Postnatal Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods