Assessing the effectiveness of digital media platforms on birth preparedness and complication readiness knowledge among healthcare professionals

Abstract

The integration of modern technology in healthcare education, mainly through digital media platforms, is pivotal for enhancing healthcare professionals' proficiency in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital media interventions on BP/CR knowledge among healthcare providers, reflecting on broader implications for global healthcare delivery and patient education. In this quasi-experimental study, 70 healthcare professionals were recruited using a nonprobability convenience sampling method. The training protocol was developed after an in-depth literature review, while the evaluation questionnaire incorporated provider-level index indicators aligned with Johns Hopkins University's BP/CR guidelines to ensure a comprehensive assessment framework. The intervention utilized widely accessible digital platforms, i.e., WhatsApp and email, aimed to deliver educational content, with its effectiveness gauged through pre- and postintervention assessments analyzed using SPSS 25.00. The study findings demonstrated significant improvements in BP/CR knowledge postintervention across various care domains. The results showed significant increases in BP/CR knowledge postintervention: focused antenatal care knowledge improved from 34.00% to 69.00% (p < 0.001), and knowledge of third-stage labor management increased from 21.00% to 56.00% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant improvements were also observed in neonatal care and emergency obstetric and neonatal care management knowledge (p < 0.001). These results affirm the role of digital media in improving healthcare education, suggesting its integration into healthcare policies to reduce maternal mortality and support professionals in resource-limited settings.