Healthcare worker knowledge and skills following coaching in WHO Early Essential Newborn Care program in the Solomon Islands

Newborn mortality in Oceania countries declined slower than other regions in the past 25 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Early Essential Newborn Care program (EENC) in 2015 in the Solomon Islands, a Small Island Developing State, to address high newborn mortality. We explored knowledge and skills retention among participating healthcare workers following EENC coaching. Between March 2015 and December 2017, healthcare workers in five hospitals were assessed: pre- and post-clinical coaching and at a later evaluation. Standardised written and clinical skills assessments for breathing and non-breathing baby scenarios were used. Additionally, written surveys were completed during re-evaluation for feedback on the EENC experience The EENC program was implemented as part of the standard neonatal training package for the Solomon Islands, by the ministry of health and medical services. The observational study was embedded into the implementation and included an additional evaluation, which was coupled with a planned refresher. The additional involvement for participants was in the evaluation component.