ERIC Number: EJ980216
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0894-1912
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using the Cascade Model to Improve Antenatal Screening for the Hemoglobin Disorders
Gould, Dinah; Papadopoulos, Irena; Kelly, Daniel
Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, v32 n3 p181-186 Sum 2012
Introduction: The inherited hemoglobin disorders constitute a major public health problem. Facilitators (experienced hemoglobin counselors) were trained to deliver knowledge and skills to "frontline" practitioners to enable them to support parents during antenatal screening via a cascade (train-the-trainer) model. Objectives of evaluation were to explore the extent that the cascade model was perceived to be embedded in practice, identify enablers and barriers to effective cascading, assess the feasibility of incorporating e-learning into the model, and obtain the facilitators' perceptions of the change process. Methods: Focus groups and interviews were undertaken with 50 facilitators. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: Cascading was influenced by contextual factors operating in the work environment, especially workload, existing roles and responsibilities and adequate preparation. Facilitators' confidence and perceptions of success varied for individuals in the same workplace exposed to the same opportunities to receive and deliver training. Cascading could by enhanced by carefully selecting potential facilitators, training needs assessment to identify the knowledge and skills required by individuals, and follow-up to offer ongoing support. Discussion: Evaluation demonstrated the importance of contextual and individual factors to successful cascading and the feasibility of combining it with e-learning. Future evaluations should consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, namely managers, recipients of cascading and clients, and cost-effectiveness. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Public Health, Needs Assessment, Electronic Learning, Work Environment, Educational Needs, Focus Groups, Screening Tests, Skill Development, Professional Development, Parents, Barriers, Educational Technology, Interviews, Facilitators (Individuals), Self Esteem, Context Effect, Role, Metabolism, Professional Continuing Education, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A