Physiological breech birth. Evaluation of a training programme for birth professionals

Abstract

This article evaluates the results of physiological breech birth (PBB) study days provided by breech Birth Network (BBN). An expanded version of this article, with further details including the statistics and additional information about the content of the training, is available on our website. This paper reports an evaluation of the BBN PBB training programme, which has been developed out of consensus research, with highly experienced health professionals. The training was delivered in four National Health Service trust hospitals in the north and south of England throughout the spring and summer of 2016. The evaluation involved pre- and post-training surverys containing a mixture of open-ended and multiple-choice questions, and rating scales. Data were analysed descriptively. The results indicated that the training addressed the concernsof the participants and was rated highly in expected usefulness for practice. Significant improvements in self-reported confidence and objectively assessed knowledge were observed. Participants found discussions and hands-on practice accompanying videos helpful, and reported concerns about lack of support and involvement of obstetric colleagues both before and after the training. The package is an effectively designed and replicable programme for introducing PBB practice to health care professionals.