International Perspectives

Abstract

To decrease neonatal mortality in under-resourced countries, nurses and doctors providing primary health care must be able to manage their own continuing education because traditional methods of training often are not available, especially in rural areas. The Perinatal Education Programme has successfully provided learning opportunities to thousands of doctors and nurses in South Africa who manage their own professional education without the need of formal tutors. Data from a prospective study of nurses using a self-help learning course in newborn care from the Programme documents significant improvements in knowledge, clinical skills, and care practices. This inexpensive and innovative method brings the promise of lifelong learning to all practitioners caring for mothers and infants.