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Article
Acquiring Knowledge about the Use of a Newly Developed Electronic Fetal Heart Rate Monitor: A Qualitative Study Among Birth Attendants in Tanzania
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
  • Sara Rivenes Lafontan, University of Oslo
  • Johanne Sundby, University of Oslo
  • Hussein Kidanto, Aga Khan University
  • Columba Mbekenga, Aga Khan University
  • Hege L. Ersdal, Stavanger University Hospital
Publication Date
12-14-2018
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Abstract

In an effort to reduce newborn mortality, a newly developed strap-on electronic fetal heart rate monitor was introduced at several health facilities in Tanzania in 2015. Training sessions were organized to teach staff how to use the device in clinical settings. This study explores skilled birth attendants’ perceptions and experiences acquiring and transferring knowledge about the use of the monitor, also called Moyo. Knowledge about this learning process is crucial to further improve training programs and ensure correct, long-term use. Five Focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with doctors and nurse-midwives, who were using the monitor in the labor ward at two health facilities in Tanzania. The FGDs were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study revealed that the participants experienced the training about the device as useful but inadequate. Due to high turnover, a frequently mentioned challenge was that many of the birth attendants who were responsible for training others, were no longer working in the labor ward. Many participants expressed a need for refresher trainings, more practical exercises and more theory on labor management. The study highlights the need for frequent trainings sessions over time with focus on increasing overall knowledge in labor management to ensure correct use of the monitor over time.

Citation Information
Sara Rivenes Lafontan, Johanne Sundby, Hussein Kidanto, Columba Mbekenga, et al.. "Acquiring Knowledge about the Use of a Newly Developed Electronic Fetal Heart Rate Monitor: A Qualitative Study Among Birth Attendants in Tanzania" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 15 Iss. 12 (2018) p. 1 - 12
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hussein_kidanto/1/