This presentation will discuss findings of an operations research study implemented by the Quality Assurance Project (QAP) and the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Zambia in 1999. The results will focus primarily on the use and effectiveness of IMCI job aids in supporting compliance of health providers during case management of sick children.
Assessments were conducted on a) health worker compliance in relation to the use of IMCI job aids and b) perceptions, attitudes of the providers to the applicability of the IMCI job aids in assisting case management of sick children. Compliance was measured using direct observations of case management of sick children and qualitative methods were used to measure perception and attitudes of health providers and caretakers.
Significant differences were apparent in compliance to the IMCI guidelines between those who used the IMCI job aids as a reference during case management and those who did not. Poor performance was particularly evident in assessment of fever, malnutrition and anemia in those not using the job aids. In observations where job aids were not used, fewer than 31% were assessed for weight for age compared to 82% where job aids were referred. Responses for use or non-use of IMCI job aids and recommendations for modifications provided valuable information for redesign of the IMCI job aids. Implications of these findings will be highlighted in the paper.
Learning Objectives: 1.Identify the current use of IMCI job aids for case management of sick children 2. Analyze health worker perception and attitude toward utilization of IMCI job aids for case management of sick children
Keywords: Competency, Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Quality Assurance Project (QAP) and the Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.