scholarly journals Training Needs Assessment of Health Care Professionals in Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health in a Low-Income Setting in Tanzania

Author(s):  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Eunice Pallangyo ◽  
Tumbwene E. Mwansisya ◽  
Kahabi Isangula ◽  
Loveluck Mwasha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Healthcare delivery globally and particularly in low-income setting is challenged by multiple, complex and dynamic problems. The reproductive, maternal and newborn health (RMNH) care is among the most affected areas resulting into high maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity across the Sub Saharan region and Tanzania in particular. However, under-investment in adequate training and capacity development among health care workers (HCWs) is reported worldwide and contributes to the critical shortages, and lack of adequate knowledge and skills among HCWs. The aim of this study was to assess the training needs among HCWs of RMNH care in selected health facilities of Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytic survey using a self- administered questionnaire was conducted in 36 out of 80 health care facilities included in Improving Access to Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health in Mwanza, Tanzania (IMPACT) project within the 8 councils of Mwanza region in Tanzania. The training needs assessment (TNA) tool adapted from the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire (TNAQ) was used for data collection. The HCWs rated on the importance of their task and their current performance of the task. The differences in scores were calculated to identify the greatest training needs.Results: Out of 153 HCWs who responded to the TNA questionnaire, majority were registered (n=62) and enrolled (n=43) nurses. Ninety percent (n= 137) were from government-owned health facilities, mostly from hospitals 68 (45%). Training needs were high in 16 areas (out of 49) including cervical cancer screening and care; accessing research resources; basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care; and sexual and gender-based violence. The overall perceived importance of the training needs was significantly associated with perceived performance of tasks related to RMNH services (Pearson Correlation (r) = .256; p <001).Conclusions: The study highlights 16 (out of 49) training gaps as perceived by HCWs in RMNH in Tanzania. The utilization of findings from the TNA has great potential to facilitate designing of effective trainings for local RMNH services delivery hence improve the overall quality of care.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Eunice Pallangyo ◽  
Tumbwene Mwansisya ◽  
Kahabi Isangula ◽  
Loveluck Mwasha ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundHealthcare delivery globally and particularly in low-income setting is challenged by multiple, complex and dynamic problems. The reproductive, maternal and newborn health (RMNH) care is among the most affected areas resulting into high maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity across the Sub Saharan region and Tanzania in particular. However, under-investment in adequate education and training of health care providers (HCPs) is reported worldwide and contributes to the critical shortages, and lack of adequate knowledge and skills among HCPs. The aim of this study was to assess the training needs among HCPs of RMNH care in selected health facilities of Mwanza, Tanzania. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive and analytic survey using a self- administered questionnaire was conducted in 36 out of 80 health care facilities included in the Government of Canada and Aga Khan Foundation Canada funded Improving Access to Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health in Mwanza, Tanzania (IMPACT) project within the 8 Councils of Mwanza region in Tanzania. The training needs assessment (TNA) tool adapted from the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire (TNAQ) instrument was used for data collection. The HCPs provided ratings on the importance of their task and their current performance of the task. The differences in scores were calculated to identify the greatest training needs. ResultsOut of 153 HCPs who responded to the TNA questionnaire, majority were registered (n=62) and enrolled (n=43) nurses. Ninety percent (n= 137) were from government-owned health facilities, mostly from hospitals 68 (45%). Training needs were high in 16 areas (out of 49) including cervical cancer screening and care; accessing research resources; basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care; and sexual and gender-based violence. The overall perceived importance of the training needs was significantly associated with perceived performance of tasks related to RMNH services (Pearson Correlation (r) = .256; p <001).ConclusionsThe study highlights 16 (out of 49) training gaps as perceived by HCPs working in RMNH in Tanzania. The utilization of findings from the TNA has great potential to facilitate designing of effective trainings for local RMNH services delivery hence improve the overall quality of care.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abera Biadgo ◽  
Aynalem Legesse ◽  
Abiy Seifu ◽  
Kavita Singh ◽  
Zewdie Mulissa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Despite reports of universal access to and modest utilization of maternal and newborn health services in Ethiopia, mothers and newborns continue to die from preventable causes. Studies indicate this could be due to poor quality of care provided in health systems. Evidences show that high quality health care prevents more than half of all maternal deaths. In Ethiopia, there is limited knowledge surrounding the status of the quality of maternal and newborn health care in health facilities. This study aims to assess the quality of maternal and neonatal health care provision at the health facility level in four regions in Ethiopia.Methodology: This study employed a facility-based cross-sectional study design. It included 32 health facilities which were part of the facilities for prototyping maternal and neonatal health quality improvement interventions. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and record reviews. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA for analysis. Descriptive analysis results are presented in texts, tables and graphs. Quality of maternal and neonatal health care was measured by input, process and outputs components. The components were developed by computing scores using standards used to measure the three components of the quality of maternal and neonatal health care.Result: The study was done in a total of 32 health facilities: 5 hospitals and 27 health centers in four regions. The study revealed that the average value of the quality of the maternal and neonatal health care input component among health facilities was 62%, while the quality of the process component was 43%. The quality of the maternal and neonatal health output component was 48%. According to the standard cut-off point for MNH quality of care, only 5 (15.6%), 3 (9.3%) and 3 (10.7%) of health facilities met the expected input, process and output maternal and neonatal health care quality standards, respectively.Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of health facilities did not meet the national MNH quality of care standards. Focus should be directed towards improving the input, process and output standards of the maternal and neonatal health care quality, with the strongest focus on process improvement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abera Biadgo ◽  
Aynalem Legesse ◽  
Abiy Seifu Estifanos ◽  
Kavita Singh ◽  
Zewdie Mulissa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite reports of universal access to and modest utilization of maternal and newborn health services in Ethiopia, mothers and newborns continue to die from preventable causes. Studies indicate this could be due to poor quality of care provided in health systems. Evidences show that high quality health care prevents more than half of all maternal deaths. In Ethiopia, there is limited knowledge surrounding the status of the quality of maternal and newborn health care in health facilities. This study aims to assess the quality of maternal and neonatal health care provision at the health facility level in four regions in Ethiopia. Methodology This study employed a facility-based cross-sectional study design. It included 32 health facilities which were part of the facilities for prototyping maternal and neonatal health quality improvement interventions. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and record reviews. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA for analysis. Descriptive analysis results are presented in texts, tables and graphs. Quality of maternal and neonatal health care was measured by input, process and outputs components. The components were developed by computing scores using standards used to measure the three components of the quality of maternal and neonatal health care. Result The study was done in a total of 32 health facilities: 5 hospitals and 27 health centers in four regions. The study revealed that the average value of the quality of the maternal and neonatal health care input component among health facilities was 62%, while the quality of the process component was 43%. The quality of the maternal and neonatal health output component was 48%. According to the standard cut-off point for MNH quality of care, only 5 (15.6%), 3 (9.3%) and 3 (10.7%) of health facilities met the expected input, process and output maternal and neonatal health care quality standards, respectively. Conclusion This study revealed that the majority of health facilities did not meet the national MNH quality of care standards. Focus should be directed towards improving the input, process and output standards of the maternal and neonatal health care quality, with the strongest focus on process improvement.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Janet Perkins ◽  
Cecilia Capello ◽  
Aminata Bargo ◽  
Carlo Santarelli

Community participation in decision-making within the health sector is an essential component in advancing efforts toward primary health care (PHC). Since 2006, Enfants du Monde, a Swiss non-governmental organization (NGO), in collaboration with the local NGO Fondation pour le Développement Communautaire/Burkina Faso (FDC/BF), has been supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to include communities in decision-making related to maternal and newborn health (MNH) services. Notably, participatory community assessments (PCA) are conducted to provide a platform for community members to discuss MNH needs and be involved in the decision-making within the health sector. During the PCAs, participants identify and prioritize needs and propose solutions to improve MNH, solutions which are then integrated in the annual district health action plan. Integrated interventions include: promotion of birth preparedness and complication readiness; training health care providers in counselling skills; building awareness of men on MNH issues and their capacity to support women; and strengthening community bodies to manage obstetrical and neonatal complications. The inclusion of these interventions has contributed to the advancement of PHC in three regions in Burkina Faso.     


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-159
Author(s):  
Janet Perkins ◽  
Aminata Bargo ◽  
Cecilia Capello ◽  
Carlo Santarelli

Assuring the provision of person-centred care is critical in maternal and newborn health (MNH). As a component of the national strategy to improve MNH, Burkina Faso Ministry of Health, supported by Enfants du Monde, La Fondation pour le Développement Communautaire/Burkina Faso and UNFPA, is implementing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for Working with Individuals, Families and Communities (IFC) to improve MNH. As a first step in district implementation, participatory community assessments were conducted. These assessments consistently revealed that poor interactions with healthcare providers posed one important barrier preventing women from seeking MNH services. In order to address this barrier, healthcare providers were trained to improve their interpersonal skills and in counselling women. During 2011-12 a total of 175 personnel were trained over a 5-day course developed using a WHO manual. The course was met with enthusiasm as providers expressed their need and desire for such training. Immediate post-test results revealed an impressive increase in knowledge and anecdotal evidence suggests that training has influenced provider’s behaviours in their interactions with women. In addition, health care providers are taking concrete action to build the capabilities of women to experience pregnancy and birth safely by engaging directly with communities.  While early findings are promising, an evaluation will be necessary to measure how the training has influenced practices, whether this translates into a shift of perceptions at community level and ultimately its contribution toward promoting person-centred care in Burkina Faso.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tumbwene Mwansisya ◽  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Kahabi Isangula ◽  
Loveluck Mwasha ◽  
Stewart Mbelwa ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDelivery of quality reproductive health services has been documented to depend on the availability of healthcare workers who are adequately supported with appropriate training. However, unmet training needs among healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) in low-income countries remain disproportionately high. This study investigated the effectiveness of trainings with onsite clinical mentorship towards perceived importance and performance in RMNH among healthcare workers in Mwanza Region of Tanzania.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design using single group pre-and post-intervention evaluation strategy. The training needs of healthcare workers from the selected health facilities were assessed, skills gaps identified and ranked according to priority. Training courses that addressed skills gaps were developed and delivered with adaptations of the national guidelines followed by onsite clinical mentorship for one year. The baseline and endline survey were conducted at 3 years interval to assess change in HCWs on their perceived importance and performance on different aspects of RMNH care. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare differences in perceived performance in selected training areas between baseline and endline. Significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsTNA was administered to 152 and 216 healthcare workers at baseline and endline respectively. In total, 141 (65%) of the 216 end line survey participants had received at least one IMPACT project training course and at least three mentorship visits. Participants were matched on their age and duration in RMNH services, but differed in age and duration of employment. Comparison between baseline and endline by using the training needs analysis questionnaire scores showed statistically significant positive changes (p ≤ .05) in most training needs analysis items, except for some items including those related to research capacity and provision of health education for cancer.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that the training and onsite clinical mentorship program that address the actual needs of healthcare workers to have significant positive changes in perceived performance in a wide range of RMNH services. However, further studies with rigorous designs are warranted to evaluate the long-term effect of such training programs on RMNH outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duncan Ndombi Shikuku ◽  
Geofrey Tanui ◽  
Mercy Wabomba ◽  
Dennis Wanjala ◽  
Josephine Friday ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Poor women in hard-to-reach areas are least likely to receive healthcare and thus carry the burden of maternal and perinatal mortality from complications of childbirth. This study evaluated the effect of an enhanced community midwifery model on skilled attendance during pregnancy/childbirth as well as on maternal and perinatal outcomes against the backdrop of protracted healthcare workers' strikes in rural Kenya. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental (one-group pretest-posttest) design. The study spanned three time periods: December 2016-February 2017 when doctors were on strike (P1), March-May 2017 when no healthcare providers were on strike (P2), and June-October 2017 when nurses/midwives were on strike (P3), which was also the period when the project enhanced the capacity of community midwives (CMs) to provide services at the community level. Analysis entailed comparison of frequencies/means of maternal and newborn health service utilization data across the three periods. Results: The monthly average number of clients obtaining services from CMs across the three time periods was: first antenatal care (ANC) (P1-1.8, P2-2.3, P3-9.9), fourth ANC (P1-1.4, P2-1.0, P3-7.1), skilled birth (P1-1.5, P2-1.7, P3-13.1) and the differences in means were statistically significant (p<0.05). Over the period, the monthly average number of clients obtaining services from health facilities was: first ANC (P1-55.7, P2-70.8, P3-4.0), fourth ANC (P1-29.6, P2-38.1, P3-1.2) and skilled birth (P1-63.1, P2-87.4, P3-5.6), p<0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in the average number of clients obtaining services from CMs or health facilities between P1 and P2 (p>0.05). There was, however, a statistically significant increase in the average number of clients obtaining services from CMs in P3 accompanied by a statistically significant decline in the average number of clients obtaining services from health facilities (p<0.05). First ANC increased by 68%, fourth ANC by 75%, skilled births by 68%, and postnatal care by 33% in P3 (p<0.0001). There was a non-significant decline in macerated stillbirths and neonatal deaths in P3. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of integrating community-level health service providers (CMs and health volunteers) into the primary health care system to complement service delivery according to their level of expertise, especially in low-resource settings.


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