Effectiveness of One Health Training Program for Health and Veterinary Workers: Perspective from Trainees and Employers

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to i) assess the quality of content and forms of OH training programs ii) assess the situation of applying OH competencies in work after participating in OH training program iii) assess the sustainability of OH training programs which the Vietnam One Health University Network provided for health and veterinary professionals. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February – June 2019. In total, 188 health and veterinary professionals from 55 provinces participated in this study. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect information of personal assessment on the quality and sustainability of OH training programs as well as the situation of applying OH knowledge in their work or study. The quantitative part of the assessment used administered online survey, while the qualitative part used in-deep interviews with leaders from Centers for Disease Control and Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine at province and district levels. Descriptive statistics were used for analyzing data. Results: More than of 80% participants did not know “What OH is” before attending the OH training programs. In total, 91.4% of respondents rated the quality of OH training courses as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. After participating in OH training programs, 89.9% of them have shared OH knowledge with other colleagues. Three-fourths of professionals reported that applying OH approach has helped them to work more effectively. The three most valuable OH core competencies for health and veterinary professionals were ‘Communication and Informatics’ (80%), ‘Collaboration and Partnership’ (75%), and ‘System thinking’ (44%). Conclusion: The findings from this study offer evidence for the efficacy of OH training programs for health and veterinary professionals. The two main training courses developed by VOHUN have made significant progress in equipping health and veterinary worker with substantial OH knowledge and skill. However, to have sustainable development, VOHUN should focus on enriching training materials, strengthening OH practices in the field, and expand the OH training programs for district and commune staff.