Evaluation of community health worker training course effectiveness in India

Authors

  • Nicole Butcher The Nossal Institute for Global Health
  • Adeline Sitther Christian Medical College Vellore
  • Jachin Velavan Christian Medical College Vellore
  • Elizabeth John Christian Medical College Vellore
  • Mary Chandra Thomas Christian Medical College Vellore
  • Nathan Grills The Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v3i2.142

Keywords:

community health worker, training, rural, spiritual, faith-based organisation

Abstract

Community health workers (CHWs) have long played a key role in delivering healthcare in rural and remote populations, through primary care, prevention and education. Numerous mechanisms of training and supporting CHWs have been implemented, and the WHO has outlined recommendations for the programmatic and financial aspects of CHW programs. This study evaluated the outcomes of a CHW training program in India whereby community development workers from faith-based organisations have been trained since 2011 to extend health prevention, promotion, education and basic services to rural, remote and poor communities across the country. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data and course information was conducted, and analysis pointed to the effectiveness of the trainees in their respective work locations. Outcomes were noted in the areas of first aid and primary care, health promotion and education, the breadth of beneficiaries, and spiritual health. The consistency of the data across these areas suggests that the training course is effective in its delivery, its contribution to the expansion of healthcare coverage and its potential for impact across India.

Author Biographies

Nicole Butcher, The Nossal Institute for Global Health

BSc. MIPH

Research Assistant

Adeline Sitther, Christian Medical College Vellore

MBBS, Faculty

CLHTC Course Coordinator

Distance education Department

Jachin Velavan, Christian Medical College Vellore

MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine), MRCGP(Int), PGDDE

Coordinator

Department of Distance Education

Elizabeth John, Christian Medical College Vellore

M.Sc (Nsg), Masters in Dist Edu (MADE)

Senior Nurse Educator

Distance Education Department

Mary Chandra Thomas, Christian Medical College Vellore

MBBS, MPH,

External Faculty

Distance Education Department

Nathan Grills, The Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne

MBBS, MPH, DPhil

Public Health Physician (FAFPHM) 

Senior Researcher

References

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Published

2016-11-08

How to Cite

Butcher, N., Sitther, A., Velavan, J., John, E., Thomas, M. C., & Grills, N. (2016). Evaluation of community health worker training course effectiveness in India. Christian Journal for Global Health, 3(2), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v3i2.142

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