An online training course in the field of maternal and perinatal health by GFMER and OMPHI

An interactive course for health professionals (2024 update)

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 About the development of this course

In reference to the significant achievement in disseminating evidence-based knowledge and the high demand for e-learning courses in the field of maternal and perinatal health, the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), in collaboration with the Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute (OMPHI) present the second edition of the training course on Obstetric Fistula, an interactive e-learning course for health professionals. The aim of the course is to enhance knowledge, improve diagnostic and treatment skills, and raise awareness about obstetric fistula among healthcare providers, especially in regions with high prevalence of obstetric fistula. It will also highlight the importance of social and sexual reintegration of women with obstetric fistula. The first edition of the course was launched in July 2015 by GFMER, the Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF), OMPHI and the Global Health Network (TGHN). The course was translated into French for the Francophone audience. Since its launch, up to 1552 health professionals from over 90 countries have successfully completed the knowledge assessment for the course and were awarded certificates.

Obstetric fistula is an important cause of maternal morbidity, especially in low and middle-income countries, where access to skilled birth attendants is limited. Each year between 50 000 to 100 000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula. Women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, social segregation, as well as sexual and other health problems. It is estimated that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

How to get the most from the course

Thank you for taking this course. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful. The course is composed of 5 modules, and we suggest you work through the modules in order. We have integrated several knowledge tests within each module to ensure interactive involvement from each participant. Follow the instructions on the screen and click all the relevant links so you do not miss out on any of the information!

In each module, you will find links to key documents and articles in the reference sections.

The last part of the course is the knowledge assessment test, which you are invited to complete. The participants who correctly answer at least 80% of the multiple-choice questions will receive a course certificate jointly signed by the Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute and the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Course contents

We estimate an average of 4 hours required to complete the course and knowledge assessment.

When you have finished the course, please complete the feedback form. Thank you for taking the time to do this as it is vital to the development of this course that we gain your thoughts on the course.

Principle author and coordinator

  • Charles-Henry Rochat, MD, FMH Specialist in Operative Urology
    Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health of Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New-York /Associate Professor of Public Health at CIESPAC, Brazzaville / Codirector of the Executive Committee of the GFMER / GFMER Director of "Obstetric Fistula Program" / Member of Fistula Committee of FIGO (Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique) / Member of OFWG (International Obstetric Fistula Working Group)

Advisory group

  • José Villar, MD, MPH, MSc, FRCOG
    Professor of Perinatal Medicine, Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, UK
  • Aldo Campana, MD
    Emeritus Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva / Director, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Switzerland

Editorial team

  • Bonventure Ameyo Masakhwe, MBChB, MSc
    Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Kenya
  • Raqibat Idris, MBBS, DO, MPH
    Technical Officer, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Switzerland
  • Fariza Rahman, MBBS, MSc
    Technical Officer, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Switzerland

Reviewer

  • Elizabeth Goodall, MD
    Clinical Fellow - Obstetric Fistula Surgery & Urogynaecology Aberdeen Women's Centre, Freetown, Sierra Leone