6026.0: Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 9:30 AM

Abstract #15413

Stirring up the winds of change: How policy and advocacy in preservice programs lead to expanded and unexpected results

Jennifer Macias, MPH, Anne Pfitzer, MHS, Tamara Smith, MPH, Lois Schaefer, MPH, BSN, and Kelly Curran, MHS. Research and Evaluation Office, JHPIEGO Corporation, 1615 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, 410-614-4187, jmacias@jhpiego.org

Important to the effectiveness of strengthening preservice education is stimulating change. These include policy changes, ensuring strong links with inservice training, and synergy into additional clinical areas.

This panel will present results from preservice assessments which have provided information for policy/advocacy dialogue to bridge traditional gaps between preservice institutions and public-sector programs. In Kenya, the Nursing Council eliminated graduation requirements for IUD insertion after the preservice nursing assessment demonstrated the inability to ensure competent graduates because of low caseload at clinics. A needs assessment of FP/RH medical education in Ghana determined that efforts were better refocused to strengthen nursing/midwifery education because so many physician graduates leave.

Preservice efforts in Bolivia resulted in the MOH’s training and professional accreditation unit developing a national human resources development policy. By integrating preservice education and inservice training, public sector health personnel are being developed, able to provide the basic package of health services. Additionally, criteria for the accreditation of private medical/nursing schools (previously unregulated) have been established. In Kenya, there has been more efficient and effective training results from using the network of Decentralized Training Centres so that the same experienced trainers conduct all clinical training - preservice and inservice.

Targeted efforts to strengthen FP/RH education resulted in synergies in Moroccan medical schools where the pediatrics rotation is benefitting from the visible success of strengthening the Ob/Gyn rotation.

The presentation will also discuss the results of policy dialogue on deployment for ensuring appropriate postings for graduates, as well as for rationalizing allocation of training resources.

Learning Objectives: Describe results from preservice program assessments which have provided information as a catalyst to policy/advocacy dialogue

Keywords: Reproductive Health, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employeed by JHPIEGO

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA