Evaluating an Adapted Professional Breastfeeding Support Program Targeting a Multidisciplinary Team Working in Community and Health Care Settings

Abstract

Background

A need exists for a flexible evidence-based breastfeeding support program for health professionals (HPs) and community health workers (CHWs) to increase continuity of care across health care and community settings. The online Outpatient Breastfeeding Champion (OBC) program may address this need.

Method

This study explored the strengths and limitations of adapting the in-person OBC program to an online format and its impact on participants’ motivation to provide breastfeeding support using five constructs grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior. HPs and CHWs registered for the OBC training between June 2020 and July 2021 (n = 534) were recruited to complete an online survey before and after training. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests to explore changes in providing breastfeeding support.

Results

Two hundred seventy-nine participants completed the survey, of which 60 were paired for the quantitative analysis. There were significant improvements in participants’ attitudes (p = .01), beliefs (< .01), and perceived behavioral control (p< .01). The magnitude of improvements remained similar regardless of socio-demographic characteristics. No changes were observed in subjective norms (p = 1.00) and behavioral intentions (p = .14). The online program increased connections among breastfeeding supporters from various geographic locations, disciplines, and levels of education, and facilitated ease of demonstrations. However, individual and systems-level challenges related to connectivity and online technology were present.

Conclusion

Findings suggest adapting an in-person program to an online format has the potential to positively impact psychosocial factors associated with improved breastfeeding support. Future research should explore barriers and facilitators to the implementation of these programs within health care and community settings.

Keywords

breastfeeding support breastfeeding training online breastfeeding training program professional breastfeeding support program

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