Curriculum and training needs of mid-level health workers in Africa: a situational review from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda

BMC Health Services Research
Ian CouperSharon Fonn

Abstract

Africa's health systems rely on services provided by mid-level health workers (MLWs). Investment in their training is worthwhile since they are more likely to be retained in underserved areas, require shorter training courses and are less dependent on technology and investigations in their clinical practice than physicians. Their training programs and curricula need up-dating to be relevant to their practice and to reflect advances in health professional education. This study was conducted to review the training and curricula of MLWs in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda, to ascertain areas for improvement. Key informants from professional associations, regulatory bodies, training institutions, labour organisations and government ministries were interviewed in each country. Policy documents and training curricula were reviewed for relevant content. Feedback was provided through stakeholder and participant meetings and comments recorded. 421 District managers and 975 MLWs from urban and rural government district health facilities completed self-administered questionnaires regarding MLW training and performance. Qualitative data indicated commonalities in scope of practice and in training programs across the four countries, ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 6, 2021·Primary Health Care Research & Development·Sameer Al-GhamdiKhaled K Aldossari
Aug 5, 2021·The Australian Journal of Rural Health·Ling ChenSangphel Yeshi

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