Operations research to train volunteer health workers in home management of acute respiratory infections

Following are the major research results: (1) The time spent in carefully preparing the training course was well worth the investment. Contrary to expectations, course attendance improved as the training sessions progressed. This may have bee due to the use of effective methodologies (demonstrations, case studies, songs, sociodramas, video stories based on real life, and group work); advance distribution of the course schedule and of supporting written materials; and the granting of certificates to participants. The development of structured course notes by the participants and the inclusion of a supervised practicum were considered particularly valuable components of the course. The volunteers especially benefited from the feedback given during the practicum period. (2) Volunteers" knowledge of ARI increased significantly. The mothers visited during the practicum session also demonstrated good retention of ARI messages. (3) The most important lesson from this study, however, relates to the need for direct supervision of health worker performance after training. The fact that volunteers still had trouble with certain key tasks in home visits, despite the thorough and well- designed training, demonstrates the importance of field supervision.