Modified Rapid Task Analysis: Its Efficiency and Challenges Experienced in Myanmar

Presentation at the Global Maternal Newborn Health Conference, October 21, 2015

Background: In Myanmar, non-MNCH care tasks and limited practice on core MNCH activities lead to midwife overload and reduced competency in some MNCH activities. A modified task analysis used stakeholders in government, practice, education and regulation as the data source to explore midwifery practice and identify assigned tasks relevant to national health needs. The findings will guide the government of Myanmar in strengthening midwifery education, practice and regulation to ensure a competent and safe cadre. The Rapid Task Analysis (RTA) allowed a large group of high level participants to examine midwifery work in a reduced time period.

Methodology: A list of 103 midwifery tasks was generated from relevant national, regional and global documents. An expanded expert panel of 80 key stakeholders rated each task on (a) frequency of performance; (b) importance of the task for client or public health outcomes; (c) where a midwife learned the task; (d) perceived competency in performing the task. Unique aspects of the RTA included use of Jhpiego’s Task Master: Mining for Data™ card game to rate tasks and simultaneous computerized entry by trained facilitators. Representation was heavier for practicing midwives (N=32) and principals of midwifery education (N=20), but also included policy makers, NGO representatives, and professionals and associations involved in MNCH.

Results: The modified RTA approach was efficient in comparison to work site conducted surveys. The card game facilitated engagement throughout the process and concurrent data entry allowed presentation of findings on site. Immediate presentations of findings lead to discussion and consensus building. Challenges included sufficient time for translation and effort required for timely analysis and data review.

Conclusion: The modified Rapid Task Analysis is an efficient mechanism for this time-restricted activity. Critical factors for success include immediate feedback and engaging stakeholders in development of a common vision for intervention.