Stakeholder perspectives on implementing a maternal health blended learning course for health care providers in Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Background Good quality maternity care is critical in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in regions with a high maternal and perinatal mortality. Building capacity of maternity care providers through in service training has been proven as effective in bridging the knowledge, competency, and skills gap during provision of maternity care. Meaningful involvement of stakeholder perspectives in the design and implementation of public health training programs heightens the prospects of achieving long term changes in practice and policy. Methods To explore stakeholder perspectives and experiences on the co-development of the antenatal-postnatal care course in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania. Data was collected through nine key informant interviews and observation notes between July – October 2022. Qualitative data was analysed in NVIVO software using inductive thematic analysis. Results Study findings showed that stakeholders were receptive of the blended learning approach for training in antenatal and postnatal care describing it as accessible, and effective in improving knowledge and skills. Course facilitators and healthcare providers valued the interactive format, opportunities for pre-session preparation, and continuous support, which contributed to improved learning experiences and collaboration. Conclusion This study highlighted the importance of involving stakeholders in the design and implementation of the antenatal-postnatal blended learning course in three countries. Eliciting feedback based on stakeholder experiences and incorporating it in real time strengthened the implementation of the blended learning course.