Teaching Helping Babies Breathe via Telehealth: A New Application in Rural Guatemala

Abstract

Background: Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a neonatal resuscitation curriculum that teaches life-saving interventions utilized in the first minutes after birth, reducing morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, it requires in-person facilitators for didactic and hands-on training. Objectives: The aim of this study was to offer HBB to nurses and nursing students in Guatemala, with the lead facilitator presenting concepts via telehealth and in-person facilitators providing hands-on demonstration. Methods: Learners completed pre- and post-tests that included the standard HBB knowledge check, as well as an assessment of the course teaching model. Learners also completed the standard Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCEs). Results: Eighteen learners were included in the analysis. All but one learner (94%) passed the course, and the average percent improvement from the pre- to post-test was 12%. All learners achieved passing scores on the OSCEs. Learners responded positively to questions regarding the technology, connection with the instructor, and ability to ask questions. Ninety-four percent of the learners agreed with the statement “this lecture was as good via telehealth as in person.” A cost analysis demonstrated approximately USD 3,979.00 in savings using telehealth compared to a standard in-person course. Conclusions: The telehealth model was successful in delivering course material to the learners and was well received. This model represents a cost-effective way to improve access to HBB. This study may not be generalizable to other populations, and the ability to use telehealth requires reliable internet connectivity, which may not be available in all settings. Further study and expansion of this pilot are needed to assess success in other settings.