Joint evaluation of technical health institute

Special evaluation covers the period 10/80-1/82 and is based on site visits and interviews with THI, USAID/S, and Medical Services Consultants, Inc. (MSCI) contractor personnel. Progress improved since the evaluation of 10/80. The THI now has an energetic director, full MOH support, and improved relations with MSCI. There are 420 students enrolled in 2-year THI programs in radiology, pharmacy, laboratory technology, public health, and physiotherapy; five program instructors and 24 teachers are in place; curricula and overviews of each profession were prepared; and compilation of lecture notes for 85 courses -- a priority for the next 9 months -- began. The MSCI team was in place 10/81, providing 46% of scheduled assistance. Although 24 THI graduates were scheduled for U.S. health training, only 18 had adequate English skills, and only 15 completed the year at Essex Community College in Maryland. Participants are now spending their second year at Tulane University, Massachusetts School of Pharmacy, or Iowa State University, but a new program must be found for two radiology students dissatisfied with the Iowa program, and a physiotherapy candidate must still be found. Evaluators criticized participants for emphasizing technical training needed for certification in their fields and for private practice rather than acquiring the skills needed for effective service to the THI. All will return 9/82, but the original assumption that they would become THI instructors was overly optimistic. Instead, the returnees will become tutors and laboratory technicians. Laboratory renovations are complete and commodity procurement funds are 75% expended. It is recommended that: (1) the project be extended at least 1 year to 12/31/83; (2) USAID/S, THI, and MSCI meet regularly; (3) added training be provided in physiotherapy and equipment maintenance and repair; (4) commodity ordering be completed; (5) MSCI assist in equipment installation and maintenance; (6) all books and journals be cataloged for the THI library; (7) orientation be provided to returning trainees; (8) instructional programs and field facilities development continue; and (9) the effectiveness of the new curricula be evaluated.