Development and Formative Assessment of an Innovative Blended Educational Course for Care of Small and Sick Neonates in India and SEARO Countries

Abstract

Objectives To develop and disseminate an innovative blended educational programme comprising of evidence-based neonatal healthcare practices across India and to identify and empower local champions who could sustain and scale quality improvement (QI) efforts regionally.

Methods The study was conducted in two phases and engaged healthcare professionals mentored by trained facilitators (1:8 ratio). A structured methodology was adopted comprising of: (i) assessment of learning needs, (ii) identification of the target audience and local facilitators, (iii) development of content and blended learning strategy, (iv) alignment with measurable QI objectives, (v) documentation of outcomes and (vi) implementation through the support of the National Neonatology Forum. Participant and facilitator feedback guided course evaluation.

Results The course engaged 1073 healthcare professionals (590 doctors, 483 nurses) with 2–10 years of neonatal experience mentored by 132 facilitators. Phase 1 included 250 participants from five Indian states, and 823 participants from 18 Indian states and four South-East Asia Regional Organization (SEARO) countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal—were enrolled in Phase 2. Overall, 57% participants completed weekly online quizzes, and the average attendance for live webinars was 50%. 43 hands-on skill workshops were held training 685 professionals.

Conclusion This flipped-classroom, blended model promoted exploratory and self-directed learning. Its adaptability and emphasis on faculty development and QI projects offer a replicable framework for future neonatal training initiatives.