Healthcare providers' experiences with a clinical mentorship intervention to improve reproductive, maternal and newborn care in Mwanza, Tanzania
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Date
2022-05-06
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Frontiers in Health Services
Abstract
Introduction: There is increasing evidence suggesting that clinical mentorship (CM)
involving on-the-job training is one of the critical resources—friendly entry points for
strengthening the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers (HCPs), which in turn
facilitate the delivery of effective reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH)
care. The article explores the experiences of HCPs following participation in the CM
program for RMNH in eight districts of Mwanza Region in Tanzania.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative descriptive design employing data from midterm
project review meetings and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with purposefully selected
HCPs (mentors and mentees) and District Medical Officers (DMOs) during endline
evaluation were employed. Interview data were managed using Nvivo Software and
analyzed thematically.
Results: A total of 42 clinical mentors and master mentors responded to a questionnaire
during the midterm review meeting. Then, a total of 17 KIIs were conducted with
Mentees (8), Mentors (5), and DMOs (4) during endline evaluation. Five key themes
emerged from participants’ accounts: (i) the topics covered during CM visits; (ii) the
benefits of CM; (iii) the challenges of CM; (iv) the drivers of CM sustainability; and (iv)
suggestions for CM improvement. The topics of CM covered during visits included
antenatal care, neonatal resuscitation, pregnancy monitoring, management of delivery
complications, and infection control and prevention. The benefits of CM included
increased knowledge, skills, confidence, and change in HCP’s attitude and increased
client service uptake, quality, and efficiency. The challenges of CM included inadequate
equipment for learning and practice, the limited financial incentive to mentees, shortage
of staff and time constraints, and weaker support from management. The drivers of
CM sustainability included the willingness of mentees to continue with clinical practice,
ongoing peer-to-peer mentorship, and integration of the mentorship program into district
health plans. Finally, the suggestions for CM improvement included refresher training
for mentors, engagement of more senior mentors, and extending mentorship beyond
IMPACT catchment facilities.
Conclusion: CM program appears to be a promising entry point to improving
competence among HCPs and the quality and efficiency of RMNH services potentially
contributing to the reduction of maternal and neonatal deaths. Addressing the challenges
cited by participants, particularly the equipment for peer learning and practice, may
increase the success of the CM program.
Keywords: clinical mentorship, on-the-job training, reproductive maternal and newborn health, Mwanza, Tanzania,
rural, low-income countries
Description
Keywords
Clinical mentorship, On-the-job training, Newborn health
Citation
Isangula, K., Mbekenga, C., Mwansisya, T., Mwasha, L., Kisaka, L., Selestine, E., Siso, D., Rutachunzibwa, T., Mrema, S. and Pallangyo, E., 2022. Healthcare Providers' Experiences With a Clinical Mentorship Intervention to Improve Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Care in Mwanza, Tanzania. Frontiers in Health Services, 2(792909), p.1.