Self-indentified learning needs of lay health workers in rural Nicaragua

Background: Lay health workers (LHWs) are an important part of community health delivery for vulnerable and underserved populations in both the developed and developing world. They frequently are the first to observe community health needs and can contribute to public health surveillance, health promotion, and health education interventions. In the developing world, commonly, LHWs have no or minimal formal education, limited health training, and limited resources to carry-out their role. A review of the literature found that training programs for LHWs have been provided without consideration of what the LHWs have identified as important to know to fulfill their role. Description: This qualitative study will be conducted in May 2010. It will examine the self-identified learning needs of LHWs in rural northern Nicaragua. One-to-one interviews will be conducted with the LHW participant, researcher, and an interpreter. Participants will be asked open-ended questions to determine their learning needs related to the care of members of their community. It is planned to have 8 -12 LHWs participate in this study. Lessons Learned: The LHWs self-identified learning needs related to providing emergency care, laboring women, diarrheal diseases and resources that would help them to be more effective in their role will be identified. Recommendations: Recommendations for improving the training of LHWs in lesser developed countries will be provided.