title: Evaluation of training programme uptake in an attempt to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injuries: the SUPPORT programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to assess the feedback from a quality improvement training programme to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Training sessions were organised that included evidence-based information on OASIS risk factors and training on models to measure perineal body length (PBL), perform episiotomies with standard and 60° fixed angle scissors (EPISCISSORS-60®), and measure post-delivery episiotomy suture angles with protractor transparencies. Feedback forms using a Likert scale (1-4) were completed and analysed. The setting was an evidence-based quality improvement programme (Strategy for Using Practical aids for Prevention of OASIS, Recording episiotomies and clinician Training [SUPPORT]) at two National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals in the UK. The participants were midwives and doctors attending the SUPPORT training programme RESULTS: All of the participants (100 %) would recommend the training programme to a friend or colleague. 92 % felt that the training session improved their knowledge of the impact of PBL and perineal distension and their knowledge of the relationship between episiotomy angle and OASIS "a lot" or "somewhat".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on this feedback, we recommend the addition of the knowledge content of the SUPPORT programme to other centres providing perineal assessment and repair courses.
authors: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. nadia.rahman@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.
authors: Nadia
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3107-5323
authors: N
authors: Rahman
authors: Poole Hospital NHS Trust, Poole, UK.
authors: Latha
authors: L
authors: Vinayakarao
authors: Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, UK.
authors: Sangeeta
authors: S
authors: Pathak
authors: Poole Hospital NHS Trust, Poole, UK.
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Minden
authors: Poole Hospital NHS Trust, Poole, UK.
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Melson
authors: Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, UK.
authors: Ella
authors: E
authors: Vitue
authors: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Pradhan
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects; D004739:England; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D022125:Lacerations / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D011247:Pregnancy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012307:Risk Factors; D000066908:Simulation Training; D013222:State Medicine
keywords: Manual perineal protection; Obstetric anal sphincter injuries; Perineal body length; Preventing episiotomies; Quality improvement