Evaluation of the effectiveness of a community health worker training course in India

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 World Health Organization (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 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 these areas: health promotion (trainees had gained skills and confidence to implement health promotion interventions); first aid and primary care (graduates were treating common conditions in the community); beneficiary diversity (rural and poor beneficiaries were frequently cited as well as trainees and their families); and, spiritual health (the nurture of person was an important part of conducting CHW activities). 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.

Keywords

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