Evaluating emergency obstetric care education and training in a remote, fragile region of Southeast Asia: an ethnographic study

Background: The minimum care package required during pregnancy and childbirth in order to manage potentially life-threatening complications is referred to as emergency obstetric care (EmOC) (WHO, 2009). EmOC education and training addresses the main causes of maternal death, stillbirth, and early neonatal deaths.

Method and material: A systematic search was conducted for the period between 2018 and 2021 (inclusive), evaluating the effectiveness of education and training in EmOC in Southeast Asia (SEA). The following databases were searched on 6th December 2021: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and the grey literature. After duplicates were removed and records screened independently by two researchers, 4 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. We utilized the knowledge, skills, and attitude framework (Anderson et al, 2001).

Findings: Preliminary findings from the systematic review highlight that both simulation-based training and team-based learning is effective in improving knowledge, skills, and attitude. A web-based game in neonatal resuscitation was not effective in achieving retention of knowledge and skills for up to 6 months, however
The findings from this systematic review highlight a gap in the literature in regards to the delivery of education and training in EmOC within rural areas in SEA. As part of my PhD, I will be evaluating a medic training program in a remote area of Myanmar. We aim to identify if there are areas within this training that could be enhanced to improve the management of obstetric emergencies.

Conclusion: Effective EmOC packages are a key component in providing competent healthcare workers. This is paramount in supporting all countries within SEA to achieve the SDG targets by 2030.