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Davis AL, Flomen L, Ahmed J, Arouna DM, Asiedu A, Badamassi MB, Badolo O, Bonkoungou M, Franco C, Jezman Z, Kalota V, Kamate B, Koko D, Munthali J, Ntumy R, Sichalwe P, Yattara O. Documenting Community Health Worker Compensation Schemes and Their Perceived Effectiveness in Seven sub-Saharan African Countries: A Qualitative Study. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 12:e2400008. [PMID: 38936960 PMCID: PMC11216702 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-24-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community health worker (CHW) incentives and remuneration are core issues affecting the performance of CHWs and health programs. There is limited documentation on the implementation details of CHW financial compensation schemes used in sub-Saharan African countries, including their mechanisms of delivery and effectiveness. We aimed to document CHW financial compensation schemes and understand CHW, government, and other stakeholder perceptions of their effectiveness. METHODS A total of 68 semistructured interviews were conducted with a range of purposefully selected key informants in 7 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Niger, and Zambia. Thematic analysis of coded interview data was conducted, and relevant country documentation was reviewed, including any documents referenced by key informants, to provide contextual background for qualitative interpretation. RESULTS Key informants described compensation schemes as effective when payments are regular, distributions are consistent, and amounts are sufficient to support health worker performance and continuity of service delivery. CHW compensation schemes associated with an employed worker status and government payroll mechanisms were most often perceived as effective by stakeholders. Compensation schemes associated with a volunteer status were found to vary widely in their delivery mechanisms (e.g., cash or mobile phone distribution) and were perceived as less effective. Lessons learned in implementing CHW compensation schemes involved the need for government leadership, ministerial coordination, community engagement, partner harmonization, and realistic transitional financing plans. CONCLUSION Policymakers should consider these findings in designing compensation schemes for CHWs engaged in routine, continuous health service delivery within the context of their country's health service delivery model. Systematic documentation of the tasks and time commitment of volunteer status CHWs could support more recognition of their health system contributions and better determination of commensurate compensation as recommended by the 2018 World Health Organization Guidelines on Health Policy and System Support to Optimize Community Health Worker Programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lola Flomen
- Consultant, Population Services International, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ciro Franco
- Consultant, PMI Impact Malaria, Washington, DC, USA
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Ogutu EA, Ellis AS, Hester KA, Rodriguez K, Sakas Z, Jaishwal C, Yang C, Dixit S, Bose AS, Sarr M, Kilembe W, Bednarczyk R, Freeman MC. Success in vaccination programming through community health workers: a qualitative analysis of interviews and focus group discussions from Nepal, Senegal and Zambia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079358. [PMID: 38569679 PMCID: PMC11146414 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Community health workers are essential to front-line health outreach throughout low-income and middle-income countries, including programming for early childhood immunisation. Understanding how community health workers are engaged for successful early childhood vaccination among countries who showed success in immunisation coverage would support evidence-based policy guidance across contexts. DESIGN We employed a multiple case study design using qualitative research methods. SETTING We conducted research in Nepal, Senegal and Zambia. PARTICIPANTS We conducted 207 interviews and 71 focus group discussions with 678 participants at the national, regional, district, health facility and community levels of the health systems of Nepal, Senegal and Zambia, from October 2019 to April 2021. We used thematic analysis to investigate contributing factors of community health worker programming that supported early childhood immunisation within each country and across contexts. RESULTS Implementation of vaccination programming relied principally on the (1) organisation, (2) motivation and (3) trust of community health workers. Organisation was accomplished by expanding cadres of community health workers to carry out their roles and responsibilities related to vaccination. Motivation was supported by intrinsic and extrinsic incentives. Trust was expressed by communities due to community health worker respect and value placed on their work. CONCLUSION Improvements in immunisation coverage was facilitated by community health worker organisation, motivation and trust. With the continued projection of health worker shortages, especially in low-income countries, community health workers bridged the equity gap in access to vaccination services by enabling wider reach to underserved populations. Although improvements in vaccination programming were seen in all three countries-including government commitment to addressing human resource deficits, training and remuneration; workload, inconsistency in compensation, training duration and scope, and supervision remain major challenges to immunisation programming. Health decision-makers should consider organisation, motivation and trust of community health workers to improve the implementation of immunisation programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Ogutu
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna S Ellis
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kyra A Hester
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katie Rodriguez
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zoe Sakas
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chandni Jaishwal
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chenmua Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Moussa Sarr
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidemiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Robert Bednarczyk
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew C Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Blondino CT, Knoepflmacher A, Johnson I, Fox C, Friedman L. The use and potential impact of digital health tools at the community level: results from a multi-country survey of community health workers. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:650. [PMID: 38429773 PMCID: PMC10905785 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly viewed as a critical workforce to address health system strengthening and sustainable development goals. Optimizing and widening the capacity of this workforce through digital technology is currently underway, though there is skepticism regarding CHWs' willingness and optimism to engage in digital health. We sought to understand CHWs' perceptions on the use of digital health tools in their work. METHODS We obtained survey data from 1,141 CHWs from 28 countries with complete study information. We conducted regression analyses to explore the relationship between CHWs' training and perceived barriers to digital health access with current use of digital devices/tools and belief in digital impact while adjusting for demographic factors. RESULTS Most of the CHWs worked in Kenya (n = 502, 44%) followed by the Philippines (n = 308, 27%), Ghana (n = 107, 9.4%), and the United States (n = 70, 6.1%). There were significant, positive associations between digital tools training and digital device/tool use (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.92, 95% CI = 2.09-4.13) and belief in digital impact (AORhigh impact = 3.03, 95% CI = 2.04-4.49). CHWs were significantly less likely to use digital devices for their work if they identified cost as a perceived barrier (AORmobile service cost = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49-0.95; AORphone/device cost = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47-0.92). CHWs who were optimistic about digital health, were early adopters of technology in their personal lives, and found great value in their work believed digital health helped them to have greater impact. Older age and greater tenure were associated with digital device/tool use and belief in digital impact, respectively. CONCLUSIONS CHWs are not an obstacle to digital health adoption or use. CHWs believe that digital tools can help them have more impact in their communities regardless of perceived barriers. However, cost is a barrier to digital device/tool use; potential solutions to cost constraints of technological access will benefit from further exploration of reimbursement models. Digital health tools have the potential to increase CHW capacity and shape the future of community health work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney T Blondino
- Department of Health Studies, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA.
- Mercer, New York, NY, 10036, USA.
| | | | | | - Cameron Fox
- Platform for Shaping the Future of Health & Healthcare, World Economic Forum, New York, NY, 10017, USA
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Ekwueme CN, Okeke C, Eze II, Mbachu CO, Onwujekwe O. To what extent did implementing a community-embedded intervention align with the goals and roles of stakeholders in adolescent sexual and reproductive health? Reprod Health 2024; 21:27. [PMID: 38373951 PMCID: PMC10877846 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01753-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are largely unmet due to poor access to SRH information and services. A multicomponent community-embedded intervention, comprising advocacy to policymakers and community leaders, training of health workers on the provision of youth-friendly SRH services, and establishment of school health clubs, was implemented in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to improve access to SRH information and services for adolescents aged 13-18 years in selected communities and secondary schools. This study explored the extent to which the intervention aligned with goals and roles of stakeholders in the State. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews (30) were conducted with key stakeholders in adolescent health programming in the State, and community gatekeepers (traditional and religious leaders) in the intervention communities. Sex-disaggregated focus group discussions (10) were conducted with health service providers, parents/guardians of adolescents. Data was analyzed deductively based on fit of strategy and two constructs of the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability - burden, and opportunity cost. The transcripts were coded in NVivo 12, and the subthemes that emerged from each construct were identified. RESULTS Stakeholders perceived the ASRH intervention activities to align with their individual goals of sense of purpose from serving the community and organizational goals of improving the visibility of adolescent reproductive health programs and aligned with their routine work. Hence, implementing or participating in the interventions was not considered a burden by many. Although the delivery of the interventions constituted additional workload and time commitment for the implementers, the benefits of partaking in the intervention were perceived to outweigh the inputs that they were required to make. Some of the community health workers in the intervention felt that provision of financial incentive will help with making the intervention less burdensome. To participate in the intervention, opportunity cost included forgoing work and business activities as well as family commitments. CONCLUSION Findings from the study show that the intervention aligned with individual/organizational goals of stakeholders. To improve acceptability of the ASRH interventions, interventions should leverage on existing programs and routine work of people who will deliver the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinazom N Ekwueme
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
| | - Chinyere Okeke
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Irene Ifeyinwa Eze
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere Ojiugo Mbachu
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Health Administration and Management, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
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Pallikkuth R, Manoj Kumar T, Dictus CT, Bunders-Aelen JFG. Design and Evaluation of Peer Supervision for Community Mental Health Workers: A Task-Shifting Strategy in Low-Resource Settings. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:131-147. [PMID: 37679654 PMCID: PMC10799819 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01161-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of Lay Mental Health Workers (LMHWs) to tackle the treatment gap in low-resource settings is well established, and although they often receive training, the potential of proper supervision to improve outcomes remains untapped. Indeed, given the strain on expert resources, peer-supervision models based on supervisors' seniority of work experience have significant potential especially in relation to community knowledge and embedding of LMHWs. This study summarizes the evaluation of a pilot program for peer supervision on the basis of Social Cognitive Theories of Self-Efficacy for LMHWs in Kerala, India. Two experienced LMHWs worked as supervisors for a total of 12 LMHWs over the course of a year. These participants were subsequently interviewed to analyze their experiences in order to evaluate the potential of peer supervision and distil relevant information to improve future training of LMHWs. The findings include improved performance and emotional support for the participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Pallikkuth
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Action Trust, Calicut, India
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Manoj Kumar
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Action Trust, Calicut, India
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia T Dictus
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ballard M, Olaniran A, Iberico MM, Rogers A, Thapa A, Cook J, Aranda Z, French M, Olsen HE, Haughton J, Lassala D, Carpenter Westgate C, Malitoni B, Juma M, Perry HB. Labour conditions in dual-cadre community health worker programmes: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1598-e1608. [PMID: 37734803 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care delivered by community health workers reduces morbidity and mortality while providing a considerable return on investment. Despite growing consensus that community health workers, a predominantly female workforce, should receive a salary, many community health worker programmes take the form of dual-cadre systems, where a salaried cadre of community health workers works alongside a cadre of unsalaried community health workers. We aimed to determine the presence, prevalence, and magnitude of exploitation in national dual-cadre programmes. METHODS We did a systematic review of available evidence from peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from database inception to Aug 2, 2021, for studies on unsalaried community health worker cadres in dual-cadre systems. Editorials, protocols, guidelines, or conference reports were excluded in addition to studies about single-tier community health worker programmes and those reporting on only salaried cadres of community health workers in a dual-cadre system. We extracted data on remuneration, workload, task complexity, and self-reported experiences of community health workers. Three models were created: a minimum model with the shortest time and frequency per task documented in the literature, a maximum model with the longest time, and a median model. Labour exploitation was defined as being engaged in work below the country's minimum wage together with excessive work hours or complex tasks. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021271500. FINDINGS We included 117 reports from 112 studies describing community health workers in dual-cadre programmes across 19 countries. The majority of community health workers were female. 13 (59%) of 22 unsalaried community health worker cadres and one (10%) of ten salaried cadres experienced labour exploitation. Three (17%) of 18 unsalaried community health workers would need to work more than 40 h per week to fulfil their assigned responsibilities. Unsalaried community health worker cadres frequently reported non-payment, inadequate or inconsistent payment of incentives, and an overburdensome workload. INTERPRETATION Unsalaried community health workers in dual-cadre programmes often face labour exploitation, potentially leading to inadequate health-care provision. Labour laws must be upheld and the creation of professional community health worker cadres with fair contracts prioritised, international funding allocated to programmes that rely on unsalaried workers should be transparently reported, the workloads of community health workers should be modelled a priori and actual time use routinely assessed, community health workers should have input in policies that affect them, and volunteers should not be responsible for the delivery of essential health services. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Ballard
- Community Health Impact Coalition, London, UK; Department of Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - M Matías Iberico
- Partners in Health Mexico, Ángel Albino Corzo, México; Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ash Rogers
- Lwala Community Alliance, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Zeus Aranda
- Partners in Health Mexico, Ángel Albino Corzo, México; El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de las Casas, México
| | | | | | - Jessica Haughton
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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OKeeffe J, Takahashi E, Otshudiema JO, Malembi E, Ndaliko C, Munihire NM, Caleo G, Martin AIC. Strengthening community-based surveillance: lessons learned from the 2018-2020 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ebola outbreak. Confl Health 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37649068 PMCID: PMC10466702 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been little documentation of the large networks of community health workers that contributed to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) surveillance during the 2018-2020 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) epidemic in the form of community-based surveillance (CBS). These networks, comprised entirely of local community members, were a critical and mostly unrecognized factor in ending the epidemic. Challenges with collection, compilation, and analysis of CBS data have made their contribution difficult to quantify. From November 2019 to March 2020, the DRC Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) worked with communities to strengthen existing EVD CBS in two key health areas in Ituri Province, DRC. We describe CBS strengthening activities, detail collaboration with communities and present results of these efforts. We also provide lessons learned to inform future outbreak responses. METHODS As the foundation of CBS, community health workers (CHW) completed training to identify and report patients who met the EVD alert definitions. Alerts were investigated and if validated, the patient was sent for isolation and EVD testing. Community members provided early and ongoing input to the CBS system. We established a predefined ratio of community- elected CHW, allocated by population, to assure equal and adequate coverage across areas. Strong performing CHW or local leaders managed the CHWs, providing a robust supervision structure. We made additional efforts to integrate rural villages, revised tools to lighten the reporting burden and focused analysis on key indicators. Phased roll-out of activities ensured time for community discussion and approval. An integrated treatment center (ITC) combined EVD testing and isolation with free primary health care (PHC), referral services, and an ambulance network. RESULTS A total of 247 CHW and supervisors completed training. CBS had a retention rate of 94.3% (n = 233) with an average daily reporting rate of 97.4% (range 75.0-100.0%). Local chiefs and community leaders participated in activities from the early stages. Community feedback, including recommendations to add additional CHW, run separate meetings in rural villages, and strengthen PHC services, improved system coverage and performance. Of 6,711 community referrals made, 98.1% (n = 6,583) were classified as alerts. Of the alerts, 97.4% (n = 6,410) were investigated and 3.0% (n = 190) were validated. Of the community referrals, 73.1% (n = 4,905) arrived for care at the ITC. The contribution of CBS to total alerts in the surveillance system increased from an average of 47.3% in the four weeks prior to system strengthening to 69.0% after. In one of the two health areas, insufficient reporting in rural villages suggested inadequate coverage, with 8.3% of the total population contributing 6.1% of alerts. DISCUSSION CBS demonstrated the capacity of community networks to improve early disease detection and expand access to healthcare. Early and consistent community involvement proved vital to CBS, as measured by system performance, local acceptance of EVD activities, and health service provision. The CBS system had high reporting rates, number of alerts signaled, proportion of alerts investigated, and proportion of community referrals that arrived for care. The change in contribution of CBS to total alerts may have been due in part to system strengthening, but also to the expansion in the EVD suspect case definition. Provision of PHC, referral services, and an ambulance network linked EVD response activities to the existing health system and facilitated CBS performance. More importantly, these activities provided a continuum of care that addressed community prioritized health needs. The involvement of local health promotion teams was vital to the CBS and other EVD and PHC activities. Lessons learned include the importance of early and consistent community involvement in surveillance activities and the recommendation to assure local representation in leadership positions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Norwegian Red Cross, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Emile Malembi
- Minister of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Célestin Ndaliko
- World Health Organization, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Agarwal S, Tweheyo R, Pandya S, Obuya E, Kiyomoto A, Mitra P, Schleiff M, Nagpal T, Macis M, Rutebemberwa E. Impact of a recognition package as an incentive to strengthen the motivation, performance, and retention of village health teams in Uganda: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:428. [PMID: 37353798 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uganda's community health worker (CHW), or village health team (VHT), program faces significant challenges with poor retention and insufficient financial and program investment. Adequate compensation comprising financial and non-financial components is critical to retaining any workforce, including CHWs. This study evaluates the impact of a recognition-based non-financial incentives package on the motivation, performance, and retention of VHTs, as well as on the utilization of health services by the community. The incentive package and intervention were developed in collaboration with the district-level leadership and award VHTs who have met predetermined performance thresholds with a certificate and a government-branded jacket in a public ceremony. METHODS A two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), conducted at the parish level in Uganda's Masindi District, will evaluate the effects of the 12-month intervention. The cluster-RCT will use a mixed-methods approach, which includes a baseline/endline VHT survey to assess the impact of the intervention on key outcomes, with an expected sample of 240 VHTs per study arm; our primary outcome is the total number of household visits per VHT and our multiple secondary outcomes include other performance indicators, motivation, and retention; VHT performance and retention data will be validated using monthly phone surveys tracking key performance indicators and through abstraction of VHT-submitted health facility reports; and focus group discussions will be conducted with VHTs and community members to understand how the intervention was received. Data collection activities will be administered in local languages. To assess the impact of the intervention, the study will conduct a regression analysis using Generalized Estimating Equations adjusting for cluster effect. Further, a difference-in-differences analysis will be conducted. DISCUSSION This study utilized a cluster-RCT design to assess the impact of a recognition-based incentives intervention on the motivation, performance, and retention of VHTs in Uganda's Masindi District. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study will provide insights on the effectiveness and limitations of the intervention, VHT perspectives on perceived value, and critical insights on how non-financial incentives might support the strengthening of the community health workforce. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05176106. Retrospectively registered on 4 January 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smisha Agarwal
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Raymond Tweheyo
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Shivani Pandya
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obuya
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arisa Kiyomoto
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Paloma Mitra
- The Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meike Schleiff
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tanvi Nagpal
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Foreign Policy Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mario Macis
- The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Gibson E, Zameer M, Alban R, Kouwanou LM. Community Health Workers as Vaccinators: A Rapid Review of the Global Landscape, 2000-2021. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:GHSP-D-22-00307. [PMID: 36853637 PMCID: PMC9972374 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community health workers (CHWs) could expand immunization access in under-reached communities by administering vaccines. This rapid review identifies countries where CHWs administered vaccines and synthesizes health systems factors that may contribute to or detract from the feasibility of CHWs administering vaccines. METHODS We conducted a rapid review of peer-reviewed literature from 3 databases and gray literature identified through web searches and by CHW subject matter experts. We treated extracted data on conditions related to vaccine administration by CHWs as qualitative data and conducted deductive content analysis. RESULTS We retained 32 documents from 497 initial records and identified 23 CHW cadres that vaccinated in 20 countries, ranging from long-established national programs delivering routine immunizations to pilot projects delivering 1 specific vaccine. CHWs who vaccinate face the following challenges: (1) inadequate supply chain training, (2) inadequate cold chain equipment, (3) transportation for supplies and to communities, (4) heavy existing workload, (5) inadequate or irregular remuneration, (6) inadequate or irregular supervision. CONCLUSION To improve immunization coverage in underimmunized and zero-dose communities, countries where CHWs vaccinate should provide CHWs with adequate remuneration, supervision, supply chain support and management, and formal integration within the health system. CHWs administered vaccines in 20 of the 75 countries with documented CHW programs, suggesting the majority of an estimated 3.3 million CHWs globally do not yet administer vaccines. In light of health care workforce shortages and immunization equity gaps, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers should consider task-shifting vaccine administration to CHWs to bolster immunization access for under-reached communities. Additional systematic documentation is needed to further explore best practices to support CHWs as vaccinators, especially related to supply chain, policy, safety, and efficacy.
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Sakeah E, Bawah AA, Kuwolamo I, Anyorikeya M, Asuming PO, Aborigo RA. How different incentives influence reported motivation and perceptions of performance in Ghanaian community-based health planning and services zones. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 36803880 PMCID: PMC9942281 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mortality is still a burden worldwide, and Ghana's maternal and child mortalities are still high. Incentive schemes have been effective in improving health workers' performance thereby reducing maternal and child deaths. The efficiency of public health services in most developing countries has been linked to the provision of incentives. Thus, financial packages for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) serve as enablers for them to be focused and committed to their work. However, the poor performance of CHVs is still a challenge in health service delivery in many developing countries. Although the reasons for these persistent problems are understood, we need to find out how to implement what works in the face of political will and financial constraints. This study assesses how different incentives influence reported motivation and perceptions of performance in Community-based Health Planning and Services Program (CHPS) zones in the Upper East region. METHODS A quasi-experimental study design with post-intervention measurement was used. Performance-based interventions were implemented for 1 year in the Upper East region. The different interventions were rolled out in 55 of 120 CHPS zones. The 55 CHPS zones were randomly assigned to four groups: three groups of 14 CHPS zones with the last group containing 13 CHPS zones. Several alternative types of financial and non-financial incentives as well as their sustainability were explored. The financial incentive was a small monthly performance-based Stipend. The non-financial incentives were: Community recognition; paying for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) premiums and fees for CHV, one spouse, and up to two children below 18 years, and; quarterly performance-based Awards for best-performing CHVs. The four groups represent the four different incentive schemes. We conducted 31 In-depth interviews (IDIs) and 31 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with health professionals and community members. RESULTS Community members and the CHVs wanted the stipend as the first incentive but requested that it be increased from the current level. The Community Health Officers (CHOs) prioritized the Awards over the Stipend because they felt it was too small to generate the required motivation in the CHVs. The second incentive was the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration. Community recognition was also considered by health professionals as effective in motiving CHVs and work support inputs and CHVs training helped in improving output. The various incentives have helped increase health education and facilitated the work of the volunteers leading to increased outputs: Household visits and Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care coverage improved. The incentives have also influenced the initiative of volunteers. Work support inputs were also regarded as motivators by CHVs, but the challenges with the incentives included the size of the stipend and delays in disbursement. CONCLUSION Incentives are effective in motivating CHVs to improve their performance, thereby improving access to and use of health services by community members. The Stipend, NHIS, Community recognition and Awards, and the work support inputs all appeared to be effective in improving CHVs' performance and outcomes. Therefore, if health professionals implement these financial and non-financial incentives, it could bring a positive impact on health service delivery and use. Also, building the capacities of CHVs and providing them with the necessary inputs could improve output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Sakeah
- School of Public Health, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana. .,Population/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana.
| | - Ayaga A. Bawah
- grid.8652.90000 0004 1937 1485Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
| | - Irene Kuwolamo
- grid.415943.ePopulation/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Maria Anyorikeya
- grid.415943.ePopulation/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Patrick O. Asuming
- grid.8652.90000 0004 1937 1485Business School, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
| | - Raymond Akawire Aborigo
- grid.415943.ePopulation/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
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11
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Lugten E, Marcus R, Bright R, Maruf F, Kureshy N. From fragility to resilience: A systems approach to strengthen primary health care. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1073617. [PMID: 36699864 PMCID: PMC9868809 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1073617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Lugten
- Credence Management Solutions, Vienna, VA, United States,*Correspondence: Elizabeth Lugten ✉
| | - Rachel Marcus
- USAID Bureau for Global Health, Office of Health Systems, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rhea Bright
- Social Solutions International, North Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Farzana Maruf
- Global Health Technical Assistance and Mission Support Project, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nazo Kureshy
- USAID Bureau for Global Health, Office of Health Systems, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States
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12
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Patel MI, Murillo A, Agrawal M, Coker T. Health Care Professionals' Perspectives on Implementation, Adoption, and Maintenance of a Community Health Worker-Led Advance Care Planning and Cancer Symptom Screening Intervention: A Qualitative Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e138-e149. [PMID: 36201710 PMCID: PMC10166359 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Advance care planning (ACP) and symptom screening are nationally recommended for all patients with advanced stages of cancer. Yet, routine delivery of such care remains challenging because of multilevel barriers. We hired and trained community health workers (CHWs) to assist with delivery of these services across the United States. The aim of this study was to explore health care professionals' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to these team-based approaches. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 44 health care professionals in 21 cancer clinics in seven US cities using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using the framework analysis approach. RESULTS Participants noted barriers and facilitators to implementation, adoption, and maintenance of CHW-led ACP and symptom management approaches. Participants were initially skeptical; however, they noted a positive shift in their views over time because of personal experiences and effectiveness in their clinics. There was significant variation in adoption with some using a prescriptive top-down approach and others a bottom-up approach. Most agreed that the combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches would be most efficient and effective for promoting team-based care. All participants discussed implementation and provided suggestions for maintenance including organizational support, leadership, and CHW retention. CONCLUSION CHW-led ACP and proactive symptom management interventions are effective and accepted by cancer care professionals at scale. Tailoring on the basis of organization and local contexts is required to ensure successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance of these effective team-based care delivery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali I. Patel
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Medical Services, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research/Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Ariana Murillo
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | | | - Tumaini Coker
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
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13
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Ajisegiri WS, Peiris D, Abimbola S, Odusanya OO, Tesema AG, Joshi R, Angell B. It is not all about salary: a discrete-choice experiment to determine community health workers' motivation for work in Nigeria. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009718. [PMID: 36270659 PMCID: PMC9594556 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Community health workers (CHWs) constitute the majority of primary healthcare (PHC) workers in Nigeria, yet little is understood about their motivations or the most effective interventions to meet their needs to ensure quality health coverage across the country. We aimed to identify factors that would motivate CHWs for quality service delivery. Methods A discrete-choice experiment was conducted among 300 CHWs across 44 PHC facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria. Based on the literature review and qualitative research, five attributes, namely: salary, educational opportunities, career progression and in-service training, housing and transportation, were included in the experiment. CHWs were presented with 12 unlabelled choice sets, using tablet devices, and asked to choose which of two hypothetical jobs they would accept if offered to them, or whether they would take neither job. Mixed multinomial logistic models were used to estimate stated preferences for the attributes and the likely uptake of jobs under different policy packages was simulated. Results About 70% of the respondents were women and 39% worked as volunteers. Jobs that offered career progression were the strongest motivators among the formally employed CHWs (β=0.33) while the ‘opportunity to convert from CHW to another cadre of health workers, such as nursing’ was the most important motivator among the volunteers’ CHWs (β=0.53). CHWs also strongly preferred jobs that would offer educational opportunities, including scholarship (β=0.31) and provision of transport allowances (β=0.26). Policy scenario modelling predicted combined educational opportunities, career progression opportunities and an additional 10% of salary as incentives was the employment package that would be most appealing to CHWs. Conclusion CHWs are motivated by a mix of non-financial and financial incentives. Policy interventions that would improve motivation should be adequate to address various contexts facing different CHWs and be flexible enough to meet their differing needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whenayon Simeon Ajisegiri
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Peiris
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Seye Abimbola
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olumuyiwa O Odusanya
- Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Rohina Joshi
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Blake Angell
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Garg S, Dewangan M, Nanda P, C K, Sahu A, Xalxo L. Assessing the time use and payments of multipurpose community health workers for the various roles they play-a quantitative study of the Mitanin programme in India. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1018. [PMID: 35948908 PMCID: PMC9364297 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08424-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community health workers (CHWs) are crucial human resources for health. While specialist CHWs focus on a single disease vertically, the generalist or multipurpose CHWs perform wider functions. The current study was aimed at examining the time multipurpose CHWs spend on performing their different roles. This can help in understanding the importance they attach to each role. Since CHWs in many developing countries are classified as part-time volunteers, this study also aimed to assess the adequacy of CHW payments in relation to their time use. Methods The study covered a well-established CHW programme in India's Chhattisgarh state. It had 71,000 multipurpose part-time CHWs known as Mitanins. Data collection involved interviews with a representative sample of 660 rural and 406 urban Mitanins. A semi-structured tool was designed and field tested. It included 26 pre-coded activities of CHWs placed under their six purposes or roles. Prompting and triangulation were used during interviews to mitigate the possibility of over-reporting of work by CHWs. The recall period was of one week. Descriptive analysis included comparison of key indicators for rural and urban Mitanins. A multi-variate linear model was used to find the determinants of CHW time-use. Results The rural and urban Mitanins respectively spent 25.3 and 34.8 h per week on their CHW work. Apart from location (urban), the total time spent was associated with size of population covered. The time-use was well balanced between roles of service-linkage, providing health education and curative care directly, COVID-19 related work and action on social determinants of health. More than half of their time-use was for unpaid tasks. Most of the cash-incentives were concentrated on service linkage role. The average payment earned by Mitanins was less than 60% of legal minimum wage. Conclusion The time-use pattern of Mitanins was not dictated by cash-incentives and their solidarity with community seemed be a key motivator. To allow wide ranging CHW action like Mitanins, the population per CHW should be decided appropriately. The considerable time multipurpose CHWs spend on their work necessitates that developing countries develop policies to comply with World Health Organisation's recommendation to pay them fairly. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08424-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Garg
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India.
| | | | - Prabodh Nanda
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - Krishnendhu C
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - Ashu Sahu
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - Lalita Xalxo
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
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15
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Oliphant NP, Ray N, Curtis A, Musa E, Sesay M, Kandeh J, Kamara A, Hassen K, O'Connor S, Suehiro Y, Legesse H, Chimoun EFT, Jackson D, Doherty T. Optimising scale and deployment of community health workers in Sierra Leone: a geospatial analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-008141. [PMID: 35589152 PMCID: PMC9121426 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-008141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about strategies for optimising the scale and deployment of community health workers (CHWs) to maximise geographic accessibility of primary healthcare services. Methods We used data from a national georeferenced census of CHWs and other spatial datasets in Sierra Leone to undertake a geospatial analysis exploring optimisation of the scale and deployment of CHWs, with the aim of informing implementation of current CHW policy and future plans of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. Results The per cent of the population within 30 min walking to the nearest CHW with preservice training increased from 16.1% to 80.4% between 2000 and 2015. Contrary to current national policy, most of this increase occurred in areas within 3 km of a health facility where nearly two-thirds (64.5%) of CHWs were deployed. Ministry of Health and Sanitation-defined ‘easy-to-reach’ and ‘hard-to-reach’ areas, geographic areas that should be targeted for CHW deployment, were less well covered, with 19.2% and 34.6% of the population in 2015 beyond a 30 min walk to a CHW, respectively. Optimised CHW networks in these areas were more efficiently deployed than existing networks by 22.4%–71.9%, depending on targeting metric. Interpretations Our analysis supports the Ministry of Health and Sanitation plan to rightsize and retarget the CHW workforce. Other countries in sub-Saharan Africa interested in optimising the scale and deployment of their CHW workforce in the context of broader human resources for health and health sector planning may look to Sierra Leone as an exemplar model from which to learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Paul Oliphant
- University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Bellville, South Africa .,The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ray
- Geohealth Group, University of Geneva, Institute of Global Health, Geneva, Switzerland.,University of Geneva, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Curtis
- Geohealth Group, University of Geneva, Institute of Global Health, Geneva, Switzerland.,University of Geneva, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Musa
- CHW Hub, Directorate of Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Momodu Sesay
- Directorate of Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joseph Kandeh
- Directorate of Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Anitta Kamara
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Kebir Hassen
- UNICEF Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.,UNICEF Sudan, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | | | | | - Debra Jackson
- University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Bellville, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health, London, UK
| | - Tanya Doherty
- University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Bellville, South Africa.,Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
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16
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Ballard M, Olsen HE, Millear A, Yang J, Whidden C, Yembrick A, Thakura D, Nuwasiima A, Christiansen M, Ressler DJ, Omwanda WO, Lassala D, Palazuelos D, Westgate C, Munyaneza F. Continuity of community-based healthcare provision during COVID-19: a multicountry interrupted time series analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052407. [PMID: 35545397 PMCID: PMC9096055 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemics often precipitate declines in essential health service utilisation, which can ultimately kill more people than the disease outbreak itself. There is some evidence, however, that the presence of adequately supported community health workers (CHWs), that is, financially remunerated, trained, supplied and supervised in line with WHO guidelines, may blunt the impact of health system shocks. Yet, adequate support for CHWs is often missing or uneven across countries. This study assesses whether adequately supported CHWs can maintain the continuity of essential community-based health service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Interrupted time series analysis. Monthly routine data from 27 districts across four countries in sub-Saharan Africa were extracted from CHW and facility reports for the period January 2018-June 2021. Descriptive analysis, null hypothesis testing, and segmented regression analysis were used to assess the presence and magnitude of a possible disruption in care utilisation after the earliest reported cases of COVID-19. RESULTS CHWs across all sites were supported in line with the WHO Guideline and received COVID-19 adapted protocols, training and personal protective equipment within 45 days after the first case in each country. We found no disruptions to the coverage of proactive household visits or integrated community case management (iCCM) assessments provided by these prepared and protected CHWs, as well as no disruptions to the speed with which iCCM was received, pregnancies were registered or postnatal care received. CONCLUSION CHWs who were equipped and prepared for the pandemic were able to maintain speed and coverage of community-delivered care during the pandemic period. Given that the majority of CHWs globally remain unpaid and largely unsupported, this paper suggests that the opportunity cost of not professionalising CHWs may be larger than previously estimated, particularly in light of the inevitability of future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Ballard
- Community Health Impact Coalition, London, UK
- Department of Global Health and Health System Design, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Palazuelos
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carey Westgate
- Community Health Impact Coalition, New York, New York, USA
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17
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Hanson K, Brikci N, Erlangga D, Alebachew A, De Allegri M, Balabanova D, Blecher M, Cashin C, Esperato A, Hipgrave D, Kalisa I, Kurowski C, Meng Q, Morgan D, Mtei G, Nolte E, Onoka C, Powell-Jackson T, Roland M, Sadanandan R, Stenberg K, Vega Morales J, Wang H, Wurie H. The Lancet Global Health Commission on financing primary health care: putting people at the centre. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e715-e772. [PMID: 35390342 PMCID: PMC9005653 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kara Hanson
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Nouria Brikci
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Darius Erlangga
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Abebe Alebachew
- Breakthrough International Consultancy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Manuela De Allegri
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dina Balabanova
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Ina Kalisa
- World Health Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Qingyue Meng
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - David Morgan
- Health Division, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, France
| | | | - Ellen Nolte
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chima Onoka
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Powell-Jackson
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin Roland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Hong Wang
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Haja Wurie
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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18
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Ballard M, Johnson A, Mwanza I, Ngwira H, Schechter J, Odera M, Mbewe DN, Moenga R, Muyingo P, Jalloh R, Wabwire J, Gichaga A, Choudhury N, Maru D, Keronyai P, Westgate C, Sapkota S, Olsen HE, Muther K, Rapp S, Raghavan M, Lipman-White K, French M, Napier H, Nepomnyashchiy L. Community Health Workers in Pandemics: Evidence and Investment Implications. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:e2100648. [PMID: 35487542 PMCID: PMC9053152 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Community health workers have long played a critical role in preventing, detecting, and responding to pandemics across the globe. To expand, improve, and institutionalize these services, changes in the approach to bi/multilateral aid and private philanthropic investments in low- and middle-income countries are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Ballard
- Community Health Impact Coalition, London, United Kingdom.
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nandini Choudhury
- Arnhold Institute for Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Duncan Maru
- Arnhold Institute for Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Harriet Napier
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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19
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Shin MB, Garcia PJ, Saldarriaga EM, Fiestas JL, Ásbjörnsdóttir KH, Iribarren SJ, Barnabas RV, Gimbel S. Cost of community-based human papillomavirus self-sampling in Peru: A micro-costing study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 8:100160. [PMID: 35528707 PMCID: PMC9075528 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Cost data of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling programs from low-and-middle-income countries is limited. We estimated the total and unit costs associated with the Hope Project, a community-based HPV self-sampling social entrepreneurship in Peru. Methods We conducted a micro-costing analysis from the program perspective to determine the unit costs of (1) recruitment/training of community women (Hope Ladies); (2) Hope Ladies distributing HPV self-sampling kits in their communities and the laboratory testing; and (3) Hope Ladies linking screened women with follow-up care. A procedural manual was used to identify the program's activities. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were conducted with administrators to estimate the resource/time associated with activities. We obtained unit costs for each input previously identified from budgets and expenditure reports. Findings From November 2018 to March 2020, the program recruited and trained 62 Hope Ladies who distributed 4,882 HPV self-sampling kits in their communities. Of the screened women, 586 (12%) tested HPV positive. The annual cost per Hope Lady recruited/trained was $147·51 (2018 USD). The cost per HPV self-sampling kit distributed/tested was $45·39, the cost per woman followed up with results was $55·64, and the cost per HPV-positive woman identified was $378·14. Personnel and laboratory costs represented 56·1% and 24·7% of the total programmatic cost, respectively. Interpretation Our findings indicate that implementation of a community-based HPV self-sampling has competitive prices, which increases its likelihood to be feasible in Peru. Further economic evaluation is needed to quantify the incremental benefits of HPV self-sampling compared to more established options such as Pap tests. Funding Thomas Francis Jr. Fellowship provided funding for data collection. The Hope Project was funded by grants from Grand Challenges Canada (TTS-1812-21131), Uniting for Health Innovation, Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer, University of Manitoba, and the John E. Fogarty International Center (5D43TW009375-05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Shin
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patricia J. Garcia
- School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Enrique M. Saldarriaga
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - José L. Fiestas
- School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru
| | - Kristjana H Ásbjörnsdóttir
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sarah J. Iribarren
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sarah Gimbel
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Lo SHS, Chau JPC, Lam SKY, Saran R. Understanding the priorities in life beyond the first year after stroke: Qualitative findings and non-participant observations of stroke survivors and service providers. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2022; 33:794-820. [PMID: 35261329 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2049827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTLong-term unmet health needs are associated with a lower quality of life in stroke survivors. Survivors' priorities in living their lives and health professionals' recognition influence survivors' perceptions of their needs. From the perspectives of survivors and service providers, this study investigated survivors' long-term priorities for continuing their lives after stroke. A qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 40 stroke survivors and a purposive sample of 11 providers who had worked with survivors for more than five years and were currently managers of community-based stroke care services or leaders of volunteer groups. Following the survivors' interviews, non-participant observations of a random day's activities were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim. Survivors' and providers' data were analyzed separately and then together thematically. Five themes emerged: healing the mind in order to move forward, optimizing adaptations and maintaining physical function, living a safe and cost-effective life, returning to work, and giving back to society. Community-based services can be improved to offer more at-home, technology-supported psychological and self-management interventions, barrier-free and one-stop services, and opportunities for employment and volunteering. It would be worthwhile to invest in conducting public education to promote social inclusion and strengthening collaboration between academic and community organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Hoi Shan Lo
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Janita Pak Chun Chau
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Kwun Yu Lam
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ravneet Saran
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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21
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Oliphant NP, Sy Z, Koné B, Berthé M, Beebe M, Samake M, Diabaté M, Tounkara S, Diarra B, Diarra AB, Diawara CH, Yakimova T, Florisse S, Jackson D, Ray N, Doherty T. Improving the efficiency of scale-up and deployment of community health workers in Mali: A geospatial analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000626. [PMID: 36962591 PMCID: PMC10021816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Optimising the scale and deployment of community health workers (CHWs) is important for maximizing geographical accessibility of integrated primary health care (PHC) services. Yet little is known about approaches for doing so. We used geospatial analysis to model optimised scale-up and deployment of CHWs in Mali, to inform strategic and operational planning by the Ministry of Health and Social Development. Accessibility catchments were modelled based on travel time, accounting for barriers to movement. We compared geographic coverage of the estimated population, under-five deaths, and plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria cases across different hypothetical optimised CHW networks and identified surpluses and deficits of CHWs compared to the existing CHW network. A network of 15 843 CHW, if optimally deployed, would ensure that 77.3% of the population beyond 5 km of the CSCom (community health centre) and CSRef (referral health facility) network would be within a 30-minute walk of a CHW. The same network would cover an estimated 59.5% of U5 deaths and 58.5% of Pf malaria cases. As an intermediary step, an optimised network of 4 500 CHW, primarily filling deficits of CHW in the regions of Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, and Ségou would ensure geographic coverage for 31.3% of the estimated population. There were no important differences in geographic coverage percentage when prioritizing CHW scale-up and deployment based on the estimated population, U5 deaths, or Pf malaria cases. Our geospatial analysis provides useful information to policymakers and planners in Mali for optimising the scale-up and deployment of CHW and, in turn, for maximizing the value-for-money of resources of investment in CHWs in the context of the country's health sector reform. Countries with similar interests in optimising the scale and deployment of their CHW workforce may look to Mali as an exemplar model from which to learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Oliphant
- University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Bellville, Republic of South Africa
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zeynabou Sy
- Faculty of Medicine, GeoHealth group, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brehima Koné
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, Direction Générale de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mohamed Berthé
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, L'Unité de Mise en Œuvre de Renforcement du Système de Santé, Bamako, Mali
| | - Madeleine Beebe
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, L'Unité de Mise en Œuvre de Renforcement du Système de Santé, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Samake
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, Cellule de Planification et de Statistique Secteur Santé, Développment Social et Promotion de la Famille, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mamoutou Diabaté
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, Direction National de la Santé, Bamako, Mali
| | - Salimata Tounkara
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, Direction Générale de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Borodjan Diarra
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, Direction Générale de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou B Diarra
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, L'Unité de Mise en Œuvre de Renforcement du Système de Santé, Bamako, Mali
- MUSO, Bamako, Mali
| | - Cheickna H Diawara
- Ministère de la Santé et du Développement Social du Mali, L'Unité de Mise en Œuvre de Renforcement du Système de Santé, Bamako, Mali
- MUSO, Bamako, Mali
| | - Tsvetana Yakimova
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Florisse
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Debra Jackson
- University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Bellville, Republic of South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH), London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Ray
- Faculty of Medicine, GeoHealth group, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tanya Doherty
- University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health, Bellville, Republic of South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Health Systems Research Unit, Tygerberg, Republic of South Africa
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22
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Sarriot E, Davis T, Morrow M, Kabore T, Perry H. Motivation and Performance of Community Health Workers: Nothing New Under the Sun, and Yet…. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:716-724. [PMID: 34933969 PMCID: PMC8691878 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We know that both financial and nonfinancial incentives matter if we want community health workers (CHWs) who are motivated and performing. What are the practical implications for CHWs themselves and for effective management of viable CHW programs?
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sarriot
- Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Tom Davis
- World Vision International, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Henry Perry
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Knaul FM, Essue BM, Arreola-Ornelas H, Watkins D, Langer A. Universal health coverage must become a best buy for women. Lancet 2021; 398:2215-2217. [PMID: 34895475 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Marie Knaul
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, Mexico City, Mexico; Tómatelo a Pecho, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Beverley M Essue
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Héctor Arreola-Ornelas
- Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, Mexico City, Mexico; Tómatelo a Pecho, Mexico City, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Global Health and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ana Langer
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Evidence to Practice for Mental Health Task-Sharing: Understanding Readiness for Change among Accredited Social Health Activists in Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh, India. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021; 49:463-475. [PMID: 34800181 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-021-01176-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of community health workers (CHWs) within task-sharing to bridge the mental health treatment gap has been proven to be efficacious in randomized controlled trials. The impact of mental health programs based on task-sharing paradigm greatly depends on the performance of CHWs which, in-turn, is influenced by their readiness for change. However, there is dearth of literature assessing the role of readiness for change as an important predicator of CHW performance. The aim of this study is to examine the applicability of the readiness for change model and investigate its cultural and contextual nuances among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), a cadre of CHWs in India, to understand their engagement in mental health task-sharing. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of n = 12 key informants including ASHAs and other healthcare professionals in Sehore district, India. The interview guide consisted of open-ended questions based on the readiness for change factors including ASHAs' attitudes towards their role in mental health care, perception of capability to implement mental health task-sharing, of support from the public health system, etc. Framework analysis with a combined inductive-deductive approach was employed to code the data and generate themes. Participants endorsed three readiness for change themes relevant to task-sharing among ASHAs including change valence or value ascribed to task-sharing, change-efficacy or the perceived ability to implement task-sharing, and job valence or value ascribed to their regular job role. In addition, they provided insights into the culturally and contextually salient aspects of these factors. Themes of personal empowerment, gaining respect and trust from community, professional duty, relationship with supervisors, and lack of resources availability were majorly highlighted. This is the first study to qualitatively investigate the applicability of the readiness for change model and its culture- and context-specific nuances among a cadre of non-specialist health workers in India. Our findings posit that implementation science models should strongly consider the culture and context within which they are being applied to enhance fit and relevance. Further, our results should be taken into consideration to adapt and validate measurement tools and build readiness for change in this population.
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Colvin CJ, Hodgins S, Perry HB. Community health workers at the dawn of a new era: 8. Incentives and remuneration. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:106. [PMID: 34641900 PMCID: PMC8506105 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00750-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the eighth in our series of 11 papers on "CHWs at the Dawn of a New Era". Community health worker (CHW) incentives and remuneration are core issues that affect the performance of individual CHWs and the performance of the overall CHW programme. A better understanding of what motivates CHWs and a stronger awareness of the social justice dimensions of remuneration are essential in order to build stronger CHW programmes and to support the professionalization of the CHW workforce. METHODS We provide examples of incentives that have been provided to CHWs and identify factors that motivate and demotivate CHWs. We developed our findings in this paper by synthesizing the findings of a recent review of CHW motivation and incentives in a wide variety of CHW programmes with detailed case study data about CHW compensation and incentives in 29 national CHW programmes. RESULTS Incentives can be direct or indirect, and they can be complementary/demand-side incentives. Direct incentives can be financial or nonfinancial. Indirect incentives can be available through the health system or from the community, as can complementary, demand-side incentives. Motivation is sustained when CHWs feel they are a valued member of the health system and have a clear role and set of responsibilities within it. A sense of the "do-ability" of the CHW role is critical in maintaining CHW motivation. CHWs are best motivated by work that provides opportunities for personal growth and professional development, irrespective of the direct remuneration and technical skills obtained. Working and social relationships among CHWs themselves and between CHWs and other healthcare professionals and community members strongly shape CHW motivation. CONCLUSION Our findings support the recent guidelines for CHWs released by WHO in 2018 that call for CHWs to receive a financial package that corresponds to their job demands, complexity, number of hours worked, training, and the roles they undertake. The guidelines also call for written agreements that specify the CHW's role and responsibilities, working conditions, remuneration, and workers' rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Colvin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Steve Hodgins
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Henry B Perry
- Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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