Impact of a structured, hands-on, surgical skills training program for midwives performing perineal repair

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of structured hands-on training for midwives performing perineal repair.

Methods: The training was performed using models and ox tongues. A total of 719 midwives completed an anonymous questionnaire prior to and immediately after training. Out of 300 participants, 151 completed a follow-up questionnaire 4 months later. Participants rated their knowledge and skills in the domains of instrument handling, knot tying, and subcuticular perineal repair.

Results: Compared with the situation before receiving the training, there was a significant increase in the use of the recommended evidence-based technique for perineal repair 4 months after training (28% vs 100%; P<0.001), and in the mean scores for knowledge and skills in all the domains (P<0.001). Participants believed that their patients were happier with the new technique.

Conclusions: Structured hands-on training is an effective way of improving the skills of midwives performing perineal repair and leads to modification of clinical practice.