Continuous Training and Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation in Remote Areas Using a Multi-platform Information and Communication Technology Intervention Compared to Standard Training: A Randomized Cluster Trial

Detailed Summary

Background: About 10% of all newborns may have difficulty breathing and require support by trained personnel. In Peru, 90% of deliveries occur in health facilities; however there is not a national neonatal resuscitation and certification program for the public health sector. In addition, the Andes and the Amazon regions concentrate large rural remote areas, which further limit the implementation of training programs and the accomplishment of continuous certification. Neonatal resuscitation training through the use of information, communication and technology (ICT) tools running on a computer, tablet or mobile phone may overcome such limitations. This strategy allows online and offline access to educational resources, paving the way to more frequent and efficient training and certification processes. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a neonatal resuscitation training and certification program that uses a multi-platform ICT (MP-ICT) strategy on neonatal health care in remote areas. Methods: The investigators propose to conduct the study through a cluster-randomized trial, where the study and analysis units are the health care facility. Eligible facilities will include primary and secondary health care level facilities that are located in provinces with neonatal mortality rates higher than 15 per 1,000 live births. The investigators will compare the proportion of newborns with a heart rate ≥100 beats per minute at 2 minutes after birth in health care facilities that receive MP-ICT training and certification implementation, with those that receive conventional training and certification. Discussion: The investigators expect that the intervention show to be more effective than the current standard of care. The investigators are prepared to include it within a national neonatal resuscitation training and certification program to be implemented at national scale together with policymakers and other key stakeholders.

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