Retention of training skills in family planning trainers: results of a 1997 trainer followup assessment in Zimbabwe.

A significant part of JHPIEGOs work in Zimbabwe has been to assist the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) to become a national family planning (FP) training coordinating organization. JHPIEGO has provided assistance at both the pre- and inservice training levels. Data collected from 1991 indicated that there was a strong need for Zimbabwean providers to receive counseling skills training as well as clinical training in how to provide long-term methods like the IUD. Beginning in 1993 JHPIEGO assisted the ZNFPC to develop an integrated IUD/genital tract infection (GTI) training program for ZNFPC and Ministry of Health/Child Welfare nurses and midwives that included preparation of clinical trainers. In 1997 a followup assessment was conducted to determine whether this group of clinical trainers was still functioning as trainers and if so what were their skill retention levels. The foUowup assessment was conducted in Harare Zimbabwe in August 1997 over a 2-day period. Seventeen trainers were evaluated. The assessment covered four key areas associated with the development of the trainers trained in JHPIEGO/ZNFPC activities: knowledge retention training skills retention trainer clinical and assessment skills competencies and trainer development. Because of the logistical difficulty of assessing each trainer conducting an actual training course the assessment was designed around simulations. The assessment began with classroom presentations and demonstration/coaching skill simulations to assess training skills. Skills assessment stations were set up to assess FP clinical skills. Knowledge retention was determined through a self-administered questionnaire and two case studies on the IUD and sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS respectively. A training experience questionnaire and individual interviews were used to determine overall training experiences. The results of this assessment were positive and showed strong knowledge and skill retention. For knowledge retention participants had to achieve a score of 85% or higher on the knowledge questionnaire. Only one participant did not receive this score. Scores on this test ranged from 83% to 100% with a mean score of 92%. For individual components mean scores were 86% or higher except for knowledge of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) (mean score 78%). (excerpt)