The Challenge

Immediate Kangaroo Family Care (iKFC) is a lifesaving intervention for newborns — particularly preterm and low birth weight infants. But delivering high-quality iKFC training consistently across hospital sites is difficult. Expert instruction depends on trainers being physically present, and travel, cost, and time constraints limit how many providers can be reached.

The question: could wearable glasses technology let an expert coach learners remotely — observing positioning and technique in real time and giving immediate feedback — without ever getting on a plane?

The Solution

In partnership with the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, the team ran live remote coaching sessions at two Lagos hospitals. Learners practiced iKFC positioning on a newborn manikin with a caregiver role-player while Professor Ebun Adejuyigbe — Nigeria's in-country iKFC expert — coached them remotely through Meta Glasses.

The glasses gave the trainer a first-person view of each learner's hands and technique, enabling real-time observation, direct demonstration, and immediate correction. The Trusted Care Foundation provided technical expertise in the design and use of the Meta Glasses, along with funding for the pilot.

The Results

Knowledge gains were substantial. Average iKFC knowledge scores rose from 1.9 to 2.9 out of 5 — a 51% improvement after a brief, one-time session.

Confidence grew. Provider confidence rose 12% overall (4.06 to 4.55 out of 5), with the largest gain on the statement "I am sure that I can implement iKMC," which jumped from 3.4 to 4.7.

*iKMC stands for immediate Kangaroo Mother Care and is the same as iKFC

Feasibility ratings increased with experience. Participants began with strong feasibility perceptions (4.08 out of 5) that rose to 4.57 after hands-on training — the approach exceeded expectations once providers actually used it.

Satisfaction was high across the board. Participants rated the Meta Glasses 4.7 out of 5 and the overall training 4.6 out of 5. Every participant was new to wearable-technology training.

The lead trainer highlighted the model's cost-effectiveness and convenience, and planned to continue using the glasses, with another training scheduled within weeks of the pilot.

Results are from a small feasibility pilot without a control group; further research is underway to confirm the training model's contribution to provider knowledge, skills, and practice.

Lessons Learned & What's Next

The pilot surfaced practical lessons for scale-up: reliable internet connectivity is essential (steady at the private hospital, disrupted at the government site), devices must be charged and recording-ready before each session, and a brief learner orientation ensures the trainer has a clear point of view. Having learners narrate their actions aloud improved the trainer's ability to follow each session.

Next steps include larger cohorts, standardized connectivity and device-preparation protocols, supplemental demonstration videos, expansion to additional hospitals and provider cadres — and eventually, progression from manikins to real clinical settings.