Evaluation and final report of the continuing education component to improve the rational use of medications of the health services support project

Evaluation covers the period through 2/88. The project developed 15 training modules which are now available for use. Some 120 people received at least one of these modules, and 102 of these received two or more. In addition, 20 people participated in training-of-trainer workshops. The programs contributed to significant changes in pharmaceutical consumption patterns. In Hospital Nicoya, improvements in consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and antibiotics were demonstrated 16 months after modules were conducted. Less striking changes were seen in the use of anti-hypertensives, but promising trends were evident. However, these gains could be threatened by personnel turnover and limited resources if continuing education is terminated. It is recommended that the project focus on 2 main activities over the next 2 years: (1) training of trainers to decentralize the training process and (2) module implementation. Additional USAID support may be needed. (Author abstract, modified)