Context Adapted Obstetric Training  

A new culture, context and need-based adapted (Emergency) Obstetric and Newborn Care ((Em)ONC) training for low- and middle-income countries to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality was developed by two midwives with long working and teaching experience in Europe, Africa and Asia: Context Adapted Obstetric Training (CAOT).

Why another training?

Although various trainings exist already, many of them show implementation barriers due to different aspects. The new CAOT concept takes all of them into account:

• The training is adapted to the context and the needs, such as pre-training competencies, status of the health care provider, infrastructure of the setting, availability of equipment and cultural/religious background.
• The implementation strategy involves the health care providers throughout all phases- from data collection to assessment, adaptation / facilitation of the training and evaluation.
• The health care providers will be supported to develop the content and to facilitate the training themselves. By this approach they assume responsibility for their individual learning process and gain confidence to apply the acquired skills in practice.
• The training will be followed up by supervision during a phase of 12 months with ongoing adaption, case discussions and near miss cases / maternal death audits.
• The trainer renounces their classical trainer role and takes over the function of a coach.
• The training will be based on evidence-based recommendations such as the WHO guidelines. It is characterized by interactive teaching and learning methods with a focus on hands-on teamwork and simulation exercises. Mistakes are considered as a valuable resource for learning.
• The authors of this concept aim to raise awareness for this new approach and hope to get support in conducting a pilot study or in any other form (partnership, finance etc.) to get the chance to implement the concept into practice.