Typical support: Train-the-Trainers (T3)

PMF currently uses a 'Train the Trainer’ (T3) model for the distribution of PROMPT across the UK. This requires multi-professional teams of staff from each unit to attend the T3 training and learn how to utilise the PROMPT training resources and set up local PROMPT training in their own units. They are provided with the PROMPT 'Course in a Box' which includes Course and Trainer’s Manuals and downloadable evidence-based multi-media materials and tools, with the aim of helping maternity units to implement effective training and make ‘the right way the easy way’.

All units receive a year's email and telephone support to help them get PROMPT training running locally.

 

Difficulties with authentic implementation

As NHS Resolution has incentivised local multi-professional training of all maternity staff, there has been an increased demand for PROMPT training. However, based on PMF's research, experience and also information that has been received via market research from many units that have implemented PROMPT locally, there appears to be significant variation in each unit’s success at setting up, and sustaining, their local training. This is a common problem when trying to introduce training interventions at scale, and as a consequence, the impact on improving outcomes and unit culture is not always observed. Some of the difficulties that units have identified are:

• Delays in implementation of local training following T3 attendance
• Lack of multi-professional engagement from all members of the team
• Reduced authenticity of training
• Problems with administration and team coordination
• Difficulties with management ‘buy in’ and commitment to release staff to attend the training and to be faculty
• Elements of PROMPT that go beyond training and encourage behaviour change are not enacted, such as multi-professional ward rounds; effective collection and use of data and role modelling by senior staff.

  

Enhanced support: The PROMPT Partnership Programme

To address some of these implementation difficulties and support units to ensure the effective uptake of PROMPT to fulfil CNST training requirements, PMF has been developing an enhanced package of support; the ‘The PROMPT Partnership Programme’. In collaboration with the Health Foundation and supported by guidance from Spring Impact (a social franchise organisation), PMF have commenced a pilot project to introduce this enhanced training implementation support package and selected 5 maternity units to participate in this exciting new programme.  The selected maternity units were:

• The James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust
• Ipswich and Colchester Maternity Hospitals

          

This pilot programme is based on a partnership between PMF and each participating unit, with an allocated PMF team working together with the unit to support the successful implementation of local PROMPT training.

The Maternity units that signed up to the pilot programme were entitled to a package of 12 months of implementation support, tailored to the units needs and based on PMF’s understanding of the key factors required to implement the programme effectively. This includes:

• PROMPT Partnership handbook: A detailed and comprehensive guide on how to set up and sustain successful PROMPT training, including information for management teams and business cases for funding, support with maternity dashboards for monitoring outcomes, and how to obtain the wider cultural and safety benefits from PROMPT. Our market research indicated that units appreciate this more directive approach.
• A two-day, bespoke, enhanced Train-the-Trainers (T3) programme delivered by PMF in their unit, where all core local faculty members can be trained in unison (up to 20 faculty per unit), thus maintaining the momentum for a ‘prompt’ initiation of their local training. Including manuals and downloadable resources for all faculty.
• Implementation planning support: face to face meetings and telephone/email support from the multi-professional PMF team in the period leading up to the Train the Trainers (T3) programme, providing local course planning and administration advice programme development support and equipment development support
• Faculty support on up to two local PROMPT training days:
  • Coaching on facilitation of workshops and simulated drills for faculty, and buddying on stations to promote PROMPT training authenticity
  • Troubleshooting and logistical support
• Faculty refresher training (if required)
• Support with data collection and monitoring clinical outcomes and outcomes of training
• Regional networking with other PROMPT Partnership members to facilitate shared learning and experiences which are locally relevant

The PROMPT Partnership Programme was due to become available to all maternity units in the UK from the Spring/Summer of 2020, but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To enquire about our PROMPT Partnership Programme please email us.