Strengthening health workforce capacity through work-based training

Bibliographic Data

ID19517315
AuthorsJoseph K B Matovu (0000-0001-6480-2940, Makerere University, corresponding author), Joseph Kb Matovu, Rhoda K Wanyenze (0000-0001-5864-3314, Makerere University), Susan Mawemuko (Makerere University), Olico Okui (Makerere University), William Bazeyo (Makerere University), David Serwadda (0000-0001-6532-6587, Makerere University)
Year2013
Volume13
Issue1
Pages8-8
Publication date2013-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMC International Health and Human Rights (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1472-698X • E-ISSN: 1472-698X
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/1472-698x-13-8
PMID23347473
PMCIDPMC3565877
OpenAlexW2141760790
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited15

BACKGROUND: Although much attention has been given to increasing the number of health workers, less focus has been directed at developing models of training that address real-life workplace needs. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) with funding support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed an eight-month modular, in-service work-based training program aimed at strengthening the capacity for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) in health service delivery. METHODS: This capacity building program, initiated in 2008, is offered to in-service health professionals working in Uganda. The purpose of the training is to strengthen the capacity to provide quality health services through hands-on training that allows for skills building with minimum work disruptions while encouraging greater involvement of other institutional staff to enhance continuity and sustainability. The hands-on training uses practical gaps and challenges at the workplace through a highly participatory process. Trainees work with other staff to design and implement 'projects' meant to address work-related priority problems, working closely with mentors. Trainees' knowledge and skills are enhanced through short courses offered at specific intervals throughout the course. RESULTS: Overall, 143 trainees were admitted between 2008 and 2011. Of these, 120 (84%) from 66 institutions completed the training successfully. Of the trainees, 37% were Social Scientists, 34% were Medical/Nursing/Clinical Officers, 5.8% were Statisticians, while 23% belonged to other professions. Majority of the trainees (80%) were employed by Non-Government Organizations while 20% worked with the public health sector. Trainees implemented 66 projects which addressed issues such as improving access to health care services; reducing waiting time for patients; strengthening M&E systems; and improving data collection and reporting. The projects implemented aimed to improve trainees' skills and competencies in M&E and CQI and the design of the projects was such that they could share these skills with other staff, with minimal interruptions of their work. CONCLUSIONS: The modular, work-based training model strengthens the capacity of the health workforce through hands-on, real-life experiences in the work-setting and improves institutional capacity, thereby providing a practical example of health systems strengthening through health workforce capacity building

Business · Capacity building · Health care · Medical education · Political science · Public health · Service delivery framework · Workforce · Workforce development · Engineering · Global Health and Surgery · Global Health Workforce Issues · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Nursing

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access