Text messages as a learning tool for midwives

South African Medical Journal, Volume 102, No. 2, Year 2012

Ukuhunyushwa

I-AI Digest

Study Justification:

– The use of cell phone text messaging for continuing healthcare education in under-resourced settings is not well documented.
– Assessing the acceptability of this method of education to South African midwives in both the public and private sectors is important.
– Understanding the potential benefits and limitations of text messaging as a learning tool for midwives can inform future educational strategies.

Study Highlights:

– Essential healthcare lessons from the Maternal Care book of the Perinatal Education Programme (PEP) were delivered via text message to over 2,500 midwives each week for 6 months.
– Each message included a link to a website for additional information about each lesson.
– Results of a survey conducted with 50 midwives showed that the text messages were well received and widely shared with colleagues.
– Midwives believed that the text messages improved learning and patient care.
– Lack of internet access or failure to utilize it for additional information highlighted limitations in internet-based distance education, especially in the public sector.
– Text messaging shows promise as a cost-effective learning opportunity and can improve various clinical services, including the management of HIV-infected individuals.

Recommendations for Lay Reader:

– Text messaging can be an effective tool for midwives to access continuing healthcare education.
– Sharing information through text messages can improve learning and patient care.
– Internet access is still a limitation for some midwives, especially in the public sector.
– Text messaging has the potential to enhance various clinical services, such as HIV management.

Recommendations for Policy Maker:

– Support the use of text messaging as a learning tool for midwives in both the public and private sectors.
– Address the limitations of internet access in under-resourced settings to ensure equal access to educational resources.
– Explore the potential of text messaging to improve other clinical services, such as HIV management.

Key Role Players:

– Researchers and educators in the field of midwifery education
– South African Ministry of Health
– Public and private healthcare institutions
– Telecommunication companies
– Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in healthcare

Cost Items for Planning Recommendations:

– Development and maintenance of the text messaging platform
– Training and support for midwives in using the text messaging system
– Internet infrastructure improvement in under-resourced settings
– Collaboration with telecommunication companies for reduced messaging costs
– Evaluation and monitoring of the impact of text messaging on midwifery education and clinical services

Amandla Obufakazi

The strength of evidence for this abstract is 7 out of 10.
The evidence in the abstract is moderately strong. The study conducted a survey with 50 message recipients, which provides some insights into the acceptability and impact of text messages as a learning tool for midwives. However, the sample size is relatively small, and the study only focuses on South African midwives in both the public and private sectors. To improve the strength of the evidence, the study could consider increasing the sample size and including midwives from other regions or countries. Additionally, conducting a randomized controlled trial or comparative study could provide more robust evidence on the effectiveness of text messages as a learning tool for midwives.

Abstract

The use of cell phone text messaging to improve access to continuing healthcare education in under-resourced settings is not well documented. We aimed to assess whether this method of education is acceptable to South African midwives in both the public and private sectors. Essential healthcare lessons from the Maternal Care book of the Perinatal Education Programme (PEP) were delivered via text message to more than 2 500 midwives each week for a period of 6 months. Each message concluded with a link to a website, where additional information about each lesson could be accessed. Results of a survey, conducted with 50 of the message recipients, demonstrated that the text messages were well received by the midwives; the information was widely shared with colleagues and was believed to improve learning and patient care. Lack of access to the Internet, or failure to utilise this facility to obtain additional information, indicated that limitations still exist in internet-based distance education, especially in the public sector. The use of text messaging promises to provide cost-effective learning opportunities, and improve a wide range of clinical services, such as the management of HIV-infected children and adults.

Izinto zokwakha

N/A

Emisha

Title: Text messages as a learning tool for midwives
Description: This innovation involves using cell phone text messaging to provide continuing healthcare education to midwives in under-resourced settings. The study conducted in South Africa delivered essential healthcare lessons from the Maternal Care book of the Perinatal Education Programme (PEP) to over 2,500 midwives each week for 6 months. Each text message included a link to a website where additional information could be accessed. A survey conducted with 50 midwives showed that the text messages were well received and shared with colleagues, leading to improved learning and patient care. However, limitations were identified in terms of internet access and utilization in the public sector. Overall, this innovation offers a cost-effective way to enhance learning opportunities and improve various clinical services, including the management of HIV-infected individuals.

AI Innovations Description

The recommendation to improve access to maternal health is to utilize text messages as a learning tool for midwives. This innovation involves delivering essential healthcare lessons from the Maternal Care book of the Perinatal Education Programme (PEP) to midwives via text message. Each message includes a link to a website where additional information can be accessed.

A study conducted in South Africa found that this method of education was well received by midwives in both the public and private sectors. The text messages were widely shared with colleagues and were believed to improve learning and patient care. However, it was noted that limitations still exist in internet-based distance education, especially in the public sector where access to the internet may be limited.

Overall, utilizing text messages as a learning tool for midwives shows promise in providing cost-effective learning opportunities and improving a wide range of clinical services, including the management of HIV-infected children and adults.

AI Innovations Methodology

Recommendation: Implement a text messaging system as a learning tool for midwives to improve access to maternal health education.

Methodology to simulate the impact of this recommendation:

1. Define the objectives: Clearly outline the goals of implementing the text messaging system, such as improving midwives’ knowledge and skills, enhancing patient care, and increasing access to continuing education.

2. Identify the target population: Determine the number of midwives who will be included in the simulation. Consider factors such as the geographical location, public or private sector, and any specific criteria for participation.

3. Develop the text messaging program: Collaborate with experts in maternal health and education to create a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential healthcare lessons. Each message should be concise, clear, and include a link to a website for additional information.

4. Pilot testing: Conduct a small-scale pilot study with a sample group of midwives to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the text messaging program. Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments before proceeding to the full implementation.

5. Implement the text messaging program: Roll out the program to the target population of midwives. Ensure that they have access to cell phones and a reliable network connection. Monitor the delivery of messages and address any technical issues that may arise.

6. Data collection: Collect data throughout the implementation phase to evaluate the impact of the text messaging program. This can include surveys, interviews, and tracking of key indicators such as knowledge improvement, changes in practice, and patient outcomes.

7. Analyze the data: Use appropriate statistical methods to analyze the collected data and assess the effectiveness of the text messaging program. Compare pre- and post-implementation data to measure the impact on access to maternal health education.

8. Evaluate the results: Interpret the findings of the analysis and determine the extent to which the text messaging program has improved access to maternal health education. Identify any limitations or challenges encountered during the implementation and suggest areas for improvement.

9. Disseminate the findings: Share the results of the simulation study with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators. Highlight the benefits and challenges of using text messaging as a learning tool for midwives and provide recommendations for scaling up the program.

By following this methodology, the impact of implementing a text messaging system as a learning tool for midwives can be simulated and evaluated, providing valuable insights into its potential to improve access to maternal health education.

Umbhali

Dima Health

Statistics:

Citations: 25

Identifiers:

DOI: 10.7196/samj.5322

ISSN: 02569574

Research Areas:

Health System and Policy, Infectious Diseases, Maternal Access, Maternal and Child Health, Quality of Care, Workforce

Study Countries:

South Africa

Study Design:

Cross Sectional Study

Study Approach:

Quantitative

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