A Scoping Review on Continuing Professional Development Programs for Midwives: Optimising Management of Obstetric Emergencies and Complications

BMC Medical Education (02/24/25) Musie, Maurine Rofhiwa; Tagutanazvo, Oslinah Buru; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica; et al.

A scoping review evaluated continuous professional development (CPD) programs for midwives, particularly in the setting of obstetric emergencies and complications. A multi-database search conducted from 2013 to 2023 identified 752 relevant articles, 31 of which met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes emerged from the articles: types of CPD training programs, effectiveness of CPD on management of obstetric emergencies, barriers/challenges with lack of implementation of CPD programs, and suggestions for implementation of CPD programs. CPD programs are essential to keeping midwives up-to-date with the skills necessary to handle obstetric emergencies, the researchers found. The programs may include simulation-based training, technology-based simulation, online modules, workshops, and interdisciplinary/interprofessional learning sessions. Each modality has its own particular advantages, such as the flexibility of online training and hands-on practice with simulations.

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