Identification of Clinician Training Techniques as an Implementation Strategy to Improve Maternal Health: A Scoping Review

Training is a key implementation strategy used in healthcare settings. This study aimed to identify a range of clinician training techniques that facilitate guideline implementation, promote clinician behavior change, optimize clinical outcomes, and address implicit biases to promote high-quality maternal and child health (MCH) care. A scoping review was conducted within PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases using iterative searches related to (provider OR clinician) AND (education OR training). A total of 152 articles met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The training involved multiple clinician types (e.g., physicians, nurses) and was predominantly implemented in hospitals (63%). Topics focused on maternal/fetal morbidity/mortality (26%), teamwork and communication (14%), and screening, assessment, and testing (12%). Common techniques included didactic (65%), simulation (39%), hands-on (e.g., scenario, role play) (28%), and discussion (27%). Under half (42%) of the reported training was based on guidelines or evidence-based practices. A minority of articles reported evaluating change in clinician knowledge (39%), confidence (37%), or clinical outcomes (31%). A secondary review identified 22 articles related to implicit bias training, which used other reflective approaches (e.g., implicit bias tests, role play, and patient observations). Although many training techniques were identified, future research is needed to ascertain the most effective training techniques, ultimately improving patient-centered care and outcomes.