(18) Pre- and Post-Learning Survey results from pedagogical scaffolding of lactation education.

Abstract :

Background: Breastfeeding is a fundamental component of health promotion, health professionals (HP) need adequate preparation, knowledge and skills to support breastfeeding families. Global literature regarding the curricular approach or established best practices for HP education in lactation is inconclusive and lacking rigor. The purpose of this multi-site study was to engage learners at different programs in a range of learning strategies for core content.

Method: Scaffolding pedagogy incorporating didactic lectures, open-education resources providing role-modeling of interactions, virtual simulation, case studies, and live simulation experiences were evaluated. Learners’ experience and translation of knowledge, attitudes, self-confidence and perception of skills were compared across sites to help understand the impact of different learning modalities to refine teaching. This study used a scaffolding of teaching method targeting the development of professional knowledge and skill required to support infant feeding success. Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning, Peplau's relational practice and communication theories, as well as HSSOBP guided this work. An interprofessional team at multiple sites in the US and Canada developed scaffolded learning opportunities and collected pre- and post-learning data on learner outcomes for comparison to learning methods and mediums via a qualtrics survey.

Results: Incorporation of open-educational resources were found to be useful as pre-briefing for simulation and clinical experience in lactation management. A pre- and post-learning survey from multiple sites supplies more robust information about most-effective mediums for learning and may be site and population dependent.

Conclusion: Scaffolding pedagogy may provide an efficacious approach to infant feeding education for pre-licensure and practicing clinicians.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: Breastfeeding is a fundamental component of health promotion, and health professionals (HP) need adequate preparation, knowledge and skills to support families. This presentation will explore scaffolding of teaching methods targeting the development of professional knowledge and skill required to support infant feeding success based on open-education modules, virtual simulations, and a hands-on clinical lab opportunity. Pilot study results will be shared.