References
Evaluation of a termination of pregnancy education programme in the Republic of Ireland: part 2
Abstract
Background/Aims
The extension of termination of pregnancy services in the Republic of Ireland represents a significant change to practice. As a result, education was provided to assist midwives and nurses to fulfil their expanded role. Using Kirkpatrick's framework, this study aimed to conduct an in-depth evaluation to ascertain if knowledge gained at a termination of pregnancy education programme was applied to clinical practice.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of seven midwives and nurses, 3 months after attending a termination of pregnancy education programme.
Results
Attendance at the programme prompted reflection on practice, with participants providing examples of how they applied the knowledge gained to the care they provide. The complexities of providing a termination of pregnancy service were highlighted, along with additional educational requirements.
Conclusions
Knowledge gained from the education programme was applied to practice improving termination of pregnancy care. Additional education and training needs identified will guide the development of future programmes.
This is the second article in a two-part series evaluating, a national termination of pregnancy education programme in the Republic of Ireland using Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation (Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick, 2016). The first article provided the findings of levels one and two of the model, participants' reaction to the training experience and their knowledge before and after attending the education programme (Fletcher et al, 2023). This article describes the findings of level three of Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation: to identify if participants applied knowledge gained from attending the programme to clinical practice. Additional education and training required to support midwives and nurses working in termination of pregnancy services was also explored. As a result of a surge in COVID-19 cases and pressures at the front line, the fourth level of Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation was not measured.
The signing into law of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 broadened the circumstances in which termination of pregnancy could be legally performed in the Republic of Ireland (Government of Ireland, 2018). The Irish draft model of care for the termination of pregnancy services highlights the importance of healthcare professionals remaining abreast of the latest international evidence on termination of pregnancy (Health Service Executive, 2018). A thorough understanding of termination of pregnancy legislation and clinical practice guidelines is paramount to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and ensure high-quality services are provided based on the best available evidence (Dennis et al, 2017). The Irish Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (2018) recommends that all clinical staff involved in the care of women undergoing a termination of pregnancy should have access to appropriate training and support.
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