Health staff experiences with the implementation of early essential newborn care guidelines in Da Nang municipality and Quang Nam province in Viet Nam.

After implementing EENC, through training and coaching using the WHO approach, health staff reported improved staff and mother satisfaction as well as health benefits for both mothers and newborns. An approach to develop competencies, with a focus on practical training and coaching, should be promoted to form, reinforce and sustain recommended EENC practices among health staff.