Hartney, Nikki, Nagle, Cate, and Dooley, Dolores (2018) Evaluation of an innovative approach to enhancing midwives' understanding of breastfeeding physiology through the use of animation. Women and Birth, 31 (S1). O7. S5-S5.

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Abstract

Background: Supporting women to breastfeed requires knowledge of the physiology, including the complex interplay of both endocrine and autocrine systems. The use of e-learning provides an alternative platform for customising and diversifying content to appeal to a variety of learning styles. While the evidence addressing the effectiveness of instructional animation is equivocal, an innovative approach utilising the application of animation in enhancing midwives' knowledge regarding lactation is warranted. Drawing on expertise in lactation, midwifery education and video design and production, a seven-minute animated video was produced. In this presentation we will showcase the video and present the results of the evaluation.

Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate registered midwives' understanding of breastfeeding physiology and the acceptability and usability of the animated resource. In February/March 2018, registered midwives across Australia were offered the opportunity to review and evaluate the video by completing a cross-sectional anonymous online survey consisting of 29 items containing 4-point Likert scales and free-text responses. Invitation was via the Australian College of Midwives national newsletter. Ethics approval from Deakin University was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data and free-text was coded. Results: Results of the registered midwife evaluation will be presented that will demonstrate midwives' opinions of the animation as a teaching modality. The presentation will include midwives' views on how the resource impacted on their breastfeeding knowledge and understanding and their views of the animation as a learning resource. Comparison will be made to the students' evaluation where 85-95% of respondents reported that the resource enhanced their learning.

Discussion and Conclusion: Evidence to inform the use of innovative approaches to support traditional teaching methods will be provided. These results will provide valuable data to inform further innovation in the area of professional development education in breastfeeding and other complex midwifery concepts.

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