Evaluation report : JHPIEGO regional family planning training support project for Francophone Africa

The Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstretics (JHPIEGO) implemented the program, in conjunction with the National Training Center for Reproductive Health (NTCRH) in Rabat, Morocco. External evaluation covers the period 1988-89. The physician and nurse clinicians' courses conducted by the project rate highly in organization, trainers, and overall content and the trainees reported a positive learning environment. The clinical content of courses was highly relevant to the trainees' work, and excellent opportunities were provided for practicing acquired skills in clinical settings. Criticism of the nurse clinicians' course relates primarily to the management portion, which presented a great deal of new material in a short period, causing difficulty for trainees in grasping some of the concepts. If clinical management is to be continued, more needs analysis, in-country evaluation, and course development are required. Recommendations for improving the quality of both the physician and nurse clinicians' courses center on increased availability of reference materials, individual needs assessment, and early detection of weak clinical skills. The NTCRH's organizational structure, policies, procedures, in-house expertise, and course materials support the delivery of high-quality family planning courses. However, functions relating to needs assessment and evaluation are not yet fully institutionalized, resulting in an insufficient information base for certain course components. The NTCRH has developed the capacity to ensure that training programs operate smoothly by effectively managing transportation, visas, lodging, meals, field practice, and support services. To improve NTCRH's institutional capability, highest priority should be given to conducting systematic in-country follow-ups to ensure that the JHPIEGO/NTCRH program remains a relevant resource to family planning programs.