An Evaluation of the Scottish Multiprofessional Maternity Development Programme

Because multiprofessionals work together in the clinical place it makes complete sense that they should
learn together thus producing a cohesive approach to patient care and management. Interprofessional
learning leads to improved relations between professions and prevents barriers being created through
shared knowledge and respect for each other's roles. Maternity staff should receive sufficient training,
support and education to ensure they have the necessary skills and competencies to cope with obstetric
and neonatal emergencies. Therefore the SMMDP commenced in 2003. Over 3,000 participants have
attended at least one SMMDP course. The evaluation framework analysed pre-existing SMMDP internal
course evaluations. Phase two evaluated individual course participants and the impact on their practice and
benefits from this training. Phase three evaluated the impact on practice and cost benefits from a wider
perspective. The main findings indicated that multiprofessional training was enjoyable, beneficial and
effective, which increased the participants' knowledge, confidence and competence and prepared them to
carry out their role. Numerous changes implemented into practice were reported as a result of the training.