Supporting Timor-Leste midwives and nurses: an evaluative study
Mr Adeniyi Adeleye1, Dr Lisa Wirihana, Ms Belinda Jennings, Ms Bridget Ferguson, Assoc Prof Tanya
Capper, Ms Rachelle Chee, Ms Kathryn Ritchie, Ms Rachel Smith, Prof Moira Williamson
1Central Queensland University, Mackay, Australia, 2Central Queensland University, Rockhampton,
Australia, 3Flinders University, Darwin, Australia, 4Central Queensland University, Rockhmapton,
Australia, 5Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia, 6Central Queensland University,
Brisbane, Australia, 7Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia, 8Burnet Institute,
Melbourne, Australia, 9Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia
Background: The current maternal and newborn outcomes in Timor-Leste have drawn attention to its
healthcare workforce's training and professional development needs. Professional development
training sessions were crafted for thirteen Timorese midwives and nurses using various approaches
and methods. This was implemented at a University in Australia. Australian maternal and newborn
health specialists developed and delivered this bespoke training program during a five-week
residential program conducted in Australia.
Aim: To describe an Australian maternal and newborn health training program for Timorese
midwives and nurses and report quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
Methods: Surveys were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data at three-time points pretraining,
post-training, and in-country follow-up. The pre-training survey occurred before the
program in Australia, the post-training survey occurred immediately after the program in Australia,
and the in-country survey occurred two months after returning to Timor-Leste. Quantitative data
were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using thematic analyses.
Findings: Timorese midwives and nurses expressed increased knowledge and skills required for
enhanced maternal and neonatal care. The participants learned to use evidence-based research as a
foundation for practice change, identified their knowledge gaps, and took steps to acquire skills in
respectful maternity care and safe practice.
The participants also identified barriers to implementing quality improvement projects to enhance
maternity services. Most participants expressed an improvement in the English language following
the five-week program in Australia an unintended outcome emanating from a combination of
engagement with local members, the University, and the broader Australian communities.
Conclusion:
An Australian onshore training program in collaboration with local Clubs for Timorese midwives and
nurses can support midwifery skills and professional development in Timor-Leste, aiming to assist
women, infants and the healthcare professionals who care for them in Timor-Leste.
Keywords: midwifery; infant health; Timor-Leste; Australia