Uganda has one of the world’s highest fertility rates and a high unmet need for family planning, even when clients contact health facilities. Misconceptions about contraceptive side effects and inadequate training for healthcare workers contribute to this.
Researchers did this study to develop and evaluate in-service training for family planning across a whole institution. The research design used was course evaluation to check the impact on services.
Researchers offered all staff level 1 training. The 30 h level 2 course aimed to train clinical staff to certificate level; assessed by a written exam, consultation skills, and presentations. The quantitative evaluation assessed changes in pre-course and post-course knowledge and confidence scores. Of the hospital’s 76 clinical staff, 44 attended some training. Of these, 21 followed, and 19 completed level 2. Mean knowledge scores increased from 15.9 to 20.8. Confidence rose from 8.1.
Brief in-service training improves health workers’ knowledge and skills, corrects misconceptions, and increases the priority given to family planning. When aligned to local needs and the institution’s culture, training can prompt moves to address the unmet need for family planning.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/42/1/52
