|
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a decentralized hub-and-spoke obstetric education model (OGET) in improving healthcare delivery across rural and remote Northern Territory and Australia through localized, multi-disciplinary training.
Methods: Prospective mixed-methods evaluation study of the OGET program across Gove and Katherine health services, and over 30 rural and remote Australian health services (June 2022-May 2025). Data collection included pre- and post-training confidence assessments, structured participant feedback from standardized training sessions, and qualitative case evidence. Analysis included thematic analysis of participant feedback.
Results: The program demonstrated four key benefits across participating remote health services: enhanced multi-disciplinary team preparedness, particularly in non-maternity staff managing obstetric emergencies; improved communication between rural services and regional referral centres, with specialists gaining first-hand knowledge of local resources; better accessibility of training for the predominantly female (71%) rural healthcare workforce through elimination of travel barriers; and rapid response to emerging clinical challenges, exemplified by the implementation of specialized training for difficult caesarean deliveries using simulation models across all OGET hubs.
Conclusion: OGET's decentralized education model demonstrates measurable improvements in clinical team capability and communication in rural obstetric care. This approach effectively addresses geographic isolation while ensuring sustainable professional development across the multi-disciplinary team. |
|
