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Frontline training in mortality reports

02 January 2022
Volume 30 · Issue 1
 The 2021 Mind the Gap report examines the latest data on training provision in maternity services across the UK in the financial year 2020/21
The 2021 Mind the Gap report examines the latest data on training provision in maternity services across the UK in the financial year 2020/21

Abstract

Does frontline training act on recurrent themes in mortality reports? Baby Lifeline's recent report identifies gaps in maternity training and calls for proper investment in the maternity workforce

Baby Lifeline is a unique national charity with the aim that every pregnant person and their baby receives the safest and best care. It does this by providing equipment, developing and providing training and conducting research.

As multi-professional training is a central recommendation to improve safety and care in maternity, Baby Lifeline's most recent report, Mind the Gap, surveyed training provision at maternity services across the UK in the last financial year. It found significant and detrimental gaps as well as variability across UK organisations. The full report and supporting materials can be downloaded from the Baby Lifeline website (Ledger et al, 2021).

Information was gathered from the frontline in maternity via a Freedom of Information request in May 2021, and the comprehensive survey asked about the prioritisation of training topics, attendance rates, barriers and amount spent on training in the last financial year (2020/21). This information was then directly compared with recommendations by national reports aimed at reducing avoidable harm and deaths in maternity.

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