scholarly journals Examining the reach and exposure of a mobile phone-based training programme for frontline health workers (ASHAs) in 13 states across India

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (Suppl 5) ◽  
pp. e005299
Author(s):  
Jean Juste Harrisson Bashingwa ◽  
Neha Shah ◽  
Diwakar Mohan ◽  
Kerry Scott ◽  
Sara Chamberlain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Interactive Voice Response ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
Initiation Rate ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Government

Mobile phones are increasingly used to facilitate in-service training for frontline health workers (FLHWs). Mobile learning (mLearning) programmes have the potential to provide FLHWs with high quality, inexpensive, standardised learning at scale, and at the time and location of their choosing. However, further research is needed into FLHW engagement with mLearning content at scale, a factor which could influence knowledge and service delivery. Mobile Academy is an interactive voice response training course for FLHWs in India, which aims to improve interpersonal communication skills and refresh knowledge of preventative reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health. FLHWs dial in to an audio course consisting of 11 chapters, each with a 4-question true/false quiz, resulting in a cumulative pass/fail score. In this paper, we analyse call data records from the national version of Mobile Academy to explore coverage, user engagement and completion. Over 158 596 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) initiated the national version, while 111 994 initiated the course on state-based platforms. Together, this represents 41% of the estimated total number of ASHAs registered in the government database across 13 states. Of those who initiated the national version, 81% completed it; and of those, over 99% passed. The initiation and completion rates varied by state, with Rajasthan having the highest initiation rate. Many ASHAs made multiple calls in the afternoons and evenings but called in for longer durations earlier in the day. Findings from this analysis provide important insights into the differential reach and uptake of the programme across states.

scholarly journals Working towards universal health coverage: a qualitative study to identify strategies for improving student enrolment for the pre-service training of nurses, midwives and community health workers in Nigerian health training institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekechi Okereke ◽  
Babatunde Ahonsi
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Training ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Student Enrolment ◽  
Training Institutions ◽  
Training Programmes

Abstract Background Student enrolment processes and practices can affect the quality of pre-service training programmes. These processes and practices may have serious implications for the quality and quantity of students within health training institutions, the quality of education for prospective health workers and consequently health workforce performance. This study assessed current student enrolment processes and practices for nurses, midwives and community health workers within health training institutions in two Nigerian states, so as to identify strategies for improving student enrolment for these key cadres of frontline health workers. Methods This study was carried out in Bauchi and Cross-River States, which are the two Human Resources for Health (HRH) project focal states in Nigeria. Utilizing a qualitative research design, 55 in-depth interviews and 13 focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders including students and tutors from pre-service health training institutions as well as policy-makers and public sector decision-makers from Ministries of Health, Government Agencies and Regulatory Bodies. Study participants were purposively sampled and the qualitative data were audio-recorded, transcribed and then thematically analysed. Results Study participants broadly described the application process to include the purchase, completion and submission of application forms by prospective students prior to participation in entrance examinations and oral interviews. The use of ‘weeding examinations’ during the student enrolment process, especially in Bauchi state, was identified as a useful quality assurance mechanism for the pre-service training programmes of frontline health workers. Other strategies identified by stakeholders to address challenges with student enrolment include sustained advocacy to counter-cultural norms and gender stereotypes vis-à-vis certain professions, provision of scholarships for trainee frontline health workers and ultimately the development as well as effective implementation of national and state-specific policy and implementation guidelines for the student enrolment of key frontline health workers. Conclusion While there are challenges which currently affect student enrolment for nurses, midwives and community health workers in Nigeria, this study has proposed key strategies which if carefully considered and implemented can substantially improve the status quo. These will probably have far-reaching implications for improving health workforce performance, population health outcomes and efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

scholarly journals The Impact of Overseas Training on the Performance of Bangladesh Civil Service: The Case of AIT Extension Training, Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-124
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Haider ◽  
Shamim Noor
Keyword(s):  
Service Management ◽  
Civil Service ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Civil Servants ◽  
Overseas Training ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Training Policy ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Training Opportunities

Public administration has to compete with private sectors in terms of quality service delivery to citizens. In this context, civil service training, especially overseas training, has been considered the most significant requirement to increase the performance of the Bangladesh Civil Service. This article tries to explore the impact of overseas training on the performance of the Bangladesh Civil Service. To achieve this objective, this study interviewed Bangladesh Civil Servants who participated Asian Institute Training (AIT) Extension training programme from 2016 to 2018. A mixed-method was applied to analyse the collected data. It found that Bangladesh Civil Servants, who have received AIT Extension training, were satisfied with the training management of AIT. Participants believed that such overseas training positively contributes to enhancing the performance of the Bangladesh Civil Service. However, this study also disclosed that fewer overseas training opportunities for young civil servants, lack of need-based training, and poor management of overseas training policy are the main obstacles in Bangladesh Civil service management. This article strongly recommends that there must be a detailed overseas training policy management and more collaboration with international training institutes to get better performance from the government officers in Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Spatial mapping and enshrined capacity: Assessment of COVID-19 servicing Indian hospitals

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
N. Ravichandran ◽  
S. Shivangi ◽  
B. Rakesh
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Capacity Assessment ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Crisis

In Public health crises like COVID-19, healthcare services alone won‟t essentially cause the well-liked changes within the health status and outcome. Human resources with needed competency for managing healthcare crisis could be a challenge, and can‟t be over accentuated. A systemic approach adopted to analyze knowledge, management, and delivery of COVID-19 services in the Indian context while the concentration curve alongside regression statistical techniques was used to examine the nature of competency and skill variations among the health-functionaries. Training processes on COVID-19 aren‟t streamlined and systematic. The method of organizing a training programme depends upon the need-based mostly. This mirrored within the variability of health-functionaries reported with adverse events, infected with the coronavirus. Several COVID-19 strategies focused on healthcare-functionaries and its associated front-liners to save lots of lives and alter the lifestyles of the population. The stigmatized COVID-19 disease brutally distanced the frontline health-workers and socially distanced the sufferers' delay in reporting, with heightened morbidity and mortality. Training is just on information rather than on competencies for action. The quality training and the level of community-based health intervention flaunted not to expect health functionaries to perform expectedly. Training-competency and skills-related inequality and inequity in health exist. There‟s a necessity to sources information equitably to empower the healthcare providers to deliver service effectively.

scholarly journals Use of Big Data and Machine Learning Methods in the Monitoring and Evaluation of Digital Health Programs in India: An Exploratory Protocol (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diwakar Mohan ◽  
Jean Juste Harrisson Bashingwa ◽  
Pierre Dane ◽  
Sara Chamberlain ◽  
Nicki Tiffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Interactive Voice Response ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
Applications Of Machine Learning

BACKGROUND Digital health programs, which encompass the subsectors of health information technology, mobile health, electronic health, telehealth, and telemedicine, have the potential to generate “big data.” OBJECTIVE Our aim is to evaluate two digital health programs in India—the maternal mobile messaging service (Kilkari) and the mobile training resource for frontline health workers (Mobile Academy). We illustrate possible applications of machine learning for public health practitioners that can be applied to generate evidence on program effectiveness and improve implementation. Kilkari is an outbound service that delivers weekly gestational age–appropriate audio messages about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare directly to families on their mobile phones, starting from the second trimester of pregnancy until the child is one year old. Mobile Academy is an Interactive Voice Response audio training course for accredited social health activists (ASHAs) in India. METHODS Study participants include pregnant and postpartum women (Kilkari) as well as frontline health workers (Mobile Academy) across 13 states in India. Data elements are drawn from system-generated databases used in the routine implementation of programs to provide users with health information. We explain the structure and elements of the extracted data and the proposed process for their linkage. We then outline the various steps to be undertaken to evaluate and select final algorithms for identifying gaps in data quality, poor user performance, predictors for call receipt, user listening levels, and linkages between early listening and continued engagement. RESULTS The project has obtained the necessary approvals for the use of data in accordance with global standards for handling personal data. The results are expected to be published in August/September 2019. CONCLUSIONS Rigorous evaluations of digital health programs are limited, and few have included applications of machine learning. By describing the steps to be undertaken in the application of machine learning approaches to the analysis of routine system-generated data, we aim to demystify the use of machine learning not only in evaluating digital health education programs but in improving their performance. Where articles on analysis offer an explanation of the final model selected, here we aim to emphasize the process, thereby illustrating to program implementors and evaluators with limited exposure to machine learning its relevance and potential use within the context of broader program implementation and evaluation. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/11456

scholarly journals Theoretical and practical dilemma of distance learning: The case of Universitas Terbuka Indonesia

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-102
Author(s):  
Hanif Nurcholis ◽  
Ace Sriati Rachman
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Elementary School Teachers ◽  
Career Planning ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Learning Standards ◽  
Service Training ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Government ◽  
Learning Institutions

Universitas Terbuka (UT) was founded in 1984. It utilised the same learning mode as any other distance learning institutions. However, since 1987, UT has changed its mode to the certification model of learning with: 1) no admission test; 2) no course books given to students; 3) no tutorials and academic counselling; and 4) no mid-term tests. UT only requires students to perform three tasks: 1) register and pay tuition fees; 2) complete Tasks Independently (TM); and 3) take exams at the end of semester. With the certification model in place, UT transformed itself into a distance learning institution that provides limited support to aid students' learning process. In the early 1990s, the government urged UT to hold an in-service training programme for elementary school teachers (PGSD) nationwide with provisions to manage the student learning process.In 2004, the government provided UT with a license to conduct a postgraduate programme of studies (PPS) based on conventional distance learning standards. Since 1987, UT has developed the institution and its employees as a certifying agency according to the needs of the government as stipulated in the law. Considering the new initiatives implemented by the government, UT faces both theoretical and practical dilemma in implementing the initiatives set by the government in line with the change in its learning mode to the certification model since 1987. UT faces a series of challenges in its learning management system, institutional development and career planning for lecturers to successfully implement the stipulated provision by the government and at the same time abide by the law.

scholarly journals Assessment of in-service training and continuing education (IST/CE) for frontline health workers in Bauchi and Cross River states, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekechi Okereke ◽  
Iliyasu Zubairu ◽  
Udoh Nsekpong ◽  
Godwin Unumeri ◽  
Ibrahim Suleiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuing Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross River ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
Service Training

scholarly journals Perceptions, awareness on snakebite envenoming among the tribal community and health care providers of Dahanu block, Palghar District in Maharashtra, India

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255657
Author(s):  
Itta Krishna Chaaithanya ◽  
Dipak Abnave ◽  
Himmatrao Bawaskar ◽  
Ujwal Pachalkar ◽  
Sandip Tarukar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Tribal Community ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Government Health ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
The Government

Introduction India has remarkably the highest number of snakebite cases contributing to nearly 50% of the global snakebite deaths. Despite this fact, there is limited knowledge and awareness regarding the management practices for snakebite in the Indian population. The study aimed to explore the knowledge, awareness, and perception of snakes and snakebites, first aid, and treatment amongst the community and the frontline health workers in a tribal block of Dahanu, Maharashtra, India. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2016 to October 2018 in the Dahanu Block, Maharashtra. Perceptions, knowledge, awareness, and first-aid practices on the snakebites among the community were studied through focus group discussions (FGDs). Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge, awareness, and experience of the traditional faith healers, snake rescuers, frontline health workers on the snakebites and their management. A facility check survey was conducted using pre-tested questionnaires for different levels of the government health care facilities. Results Most of the tribal community was aware of the commonly found snakes and their hiding places. However, there was inadequate knowledge on the identification and classification of venomous snakes. Belief in a snake god, the perception that snakes will not come out during thunderstorms, change in taste sensation, the ability of tamarind seeds or magnet to reduce the venom effect were some of the superstitions reported by the tribal community. The application of a harmful method (Tourniquet) as the first aid for snakebite was practiced by the tribal community. They preferred herbal medicines and visiting the traditional faith healers before shifting the patient to the government health facility. The knowledge on the ability to identify venomous snakebites and anti-venom was significantly higher amongst nurses and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) than auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and multi-purpose workers (MPWs) (p < 0.05). None of the traditional faith healers; but nearly 60% of snake rescuers were aware of anti-venom. Fifty percent of the medical officers in Dahanu block did not have correct knowledge about the Krait bite symptoms, and renal complications due to the Russell viper bite. Conclusions Inappropriate perception, inadequate awareness, and knowledge about snakes and snakebites may predispose the tribal community to increased risks of venomous snakebites. Unproven and harmful methods for snakebite treatment practiced by the community and traditional faith healers could be dangerous leading to high mortality. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach of community awareness, mapping of vulnerable populations, capacity building of health care facility, empowerment of health care workers (HCWs) could be useful for reducing the mortality and morbidity due to snakebite envenoming in India.

Unique Experiences of Frontline Health Workers involved in management of COVID-19: Stories from Rural Odisha

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 623-628
Author(s):  
Hari Ram Choudhary ◽  
Hemraj P. Jangir ◽  
Shalu Gupta
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
The Government

This narrative study tells the stories of Frontline Health Workers who are actively involved in the management of COVID-19 in the rural areas of Odisha state in India. They have been known as corona warriors by the Government and Media but at the same time, they became the victims of mental and social stigma. Despite their high risk of dealing with corona patients, they worked tirelessly but we as a society started stigmatizing them and failed to give the respect that they deserve. This study is an attempt to highlight their responses to mental and social stigma.

Transformative learning for health professional in the twenty-first century for the future health workforce

2021 ◽  
pp. 709-718
Author(s):  
Wanicha Chuenkongkaew ◽  
Suwit Wibulpolprasert
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Service Training

Health systems globally are facing many challenges, including major constraints in their workforces: from staff shortages, inappropriate distribution, as well as poor workforce performance and management. One strategy that has been used is ‘task shifting’ to lower cadre professionals or local health workers. Involving local and community health workers (L/CHWs) has been shown to be effective in many countries. This chapter covers the issue of L/CHW training to meet public health needs. As L/CHWs are usually recruited locally with varying background, effective training is therefore very important to ensure that L/CHWs have adequate competency to carry out basic tasks and specific functions to support health professionals in health service delivery. The training programme may cover core public health knowledge and disciplines plus general work competency such as communication and leadership skills. In addition to pre-service training, there should be regular in-service activities to update knowledge and skills and post-training support must be available.

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