Better training, better births project: a preliminary evaluation

Abstract

This paper describes the experience of planning and presentation of a short human factors training intervention aimed at staff working in maternity services, in light of some challenging conclusions about negative outcomes of existing maternity provision. A local initiative, initiated and supported by Health Education England (HEE) and involving 3 trusts in the north west of England, was aimed at providing appropriate training for senior practitioners. While many participants claimed knowledge of and confidence in Human Factors (HF) issues, the course was well received and ongoing training needs were identified, if only for their junior colleagues. The paper explores plans for a Phase 2 programme which is designed to roll out the training to those junior staff and to begin the process of gathering data from observation of practice on a day to day basis. Data from this activity will inform a plan for Phase 3 when issues of shop floor culture will be subject to productive intervention.