An evaluation study on the relevance and effectiveness of training activities in Northern Uganda.
BACKGROUND
In-service training is required for quality health service delivery, particularly in a human resource constrained setting. However, detailed evaluation of training effectiveness is rarely conducted because the improved theoretical knowledge demonstrated by trainees during training is commonly used as a proxy indicator of effectiveness. This study focused on a trained health workforce in Northern Uganda. The retention of specifically-trained staff 12-15 months after attending training was examined, as was the relevance and usefulness of the training as perceived by the health workers.


METHODS
This cross-sectional descriptive study used a structured questionnaire to interview 104 health workers (mainly paramedics) who received training in the Northern Uganda Malaria, AIDS & HIV and TB Program in the period July 2007 to February 2008.


RESULTS
Of the 104 interviewed health workers, 71% were still deployed at the original work site at the time of the interview and 87% reported they found the training event attended to be useful. However, any form of follow up was provided to only 40% of respondents, and 25% reported having attended another similar training event on the same topic at some point in time.


CONCLUSIONS
All programs with a substantial training component should conduct a periodic methodical evaluation of the training.
Cicciò
Luigi
L
NUMAT/JSI, Gulu, Uganda. lciccio@numatuganda.org
Makumbi
M
M
Sera
Diana
D
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003141:Communicable Diseases; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000592:standards*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014454:Uganda