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Katzburg J, Nadal C, Solloway M, Yano EM, Cordasco KM. Preparing VHA Nurses to be Maternity Care Coordinators. Poster session presented at: VA HSR&D Enhancing Partnerships for Research and Care of Women Veterans Conference; 2014 Jul 31; Arlington, VA.
Objective: To develop and evaluate an internet-based education series to prepare nurses to be VA Maternity Care Coordinators (MCCs), a position mandated for every VA healthcare system (HCS) by Handbook 1330.03, released in 2012. Methods: As a product of a Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement process used to develop and implement a MCC Telephone Care Program (TCP), we identified knowledge and training gaps among VA MCCs, many of whom lacked experience in maternity care. We further identified potential learning needs and critical topics by reviewing the literature and surveying TCP participants. To address these gaps, we developed an internet-based educational series. We identified experts in the field and then worked closely with them in developing content fitting the learning needs of MCCs. We provided slide-based presentations to MCC TCP participants and recorded them for posting on an internal VA SharePoint site for reference and future MCC training. Modules were evaluated using surveys assessing for content, adherence to learning objectives, and speaker expertise and effectiveness. Results: Ten modules are in development covering critical topics related to pregnancy and the early post-partum period, including: monitoring and diagnostic testing; triaging physical complaints; genetic testing; interpersonal violence screening and support; mental health; smoking cessation; nutrition; pregnancy loss and grief; breastfeeding; and post-partum contraception. To date, three modules have been presented to MCCs and post-session surveys have had high response rates (92 -100%). Surveys showed that the speakers were effective (91-100%); learning objectives were met (92 -100%); and MCCs believed they would use the information (91-100%). All modules will be completed by July 2014 and are being prepared for posting on an internal VA SharePoint site. Conclusions: We created an internet-based education series to enhance MCC knowledge and skills in maternity-related care with completed modules being highly-rated as useful for delivering effective services to pregnant Veterans. Impacts: While surveys indicate that learning objectives were met and the knowledge base of our MCCs was enhanced, further evaluation is needed. Long term retention, as well as potential additional learning needs and preferred modalities for MCC education and training, should be assessed. Patient perceptions of MCC expertise and effectiveness need to be evaluated.
