An evaluation study on the relevance and effectiveness of training activities in Northern Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: In-service training is required for quality health service delivery, particularly in a human resource constrained setting. However, detailed evaluation of training effectiveness is rarely conducted because the improved theoretical knowledge demonstrated by trainees during training is commonly used as a proxy indicator of effectiveness. This study focused on a trained health workforce in Northern Uganda. The retention of specifically-trained staff 12-15 months after attending training was examined, as was the relevance and usefulness of the training as perceived by the health workers.
METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study used a structured questionnaire to interview 104 health workers (mainly paramedics) who received training in the Northern Uganda Malaria, AIDS & HIV and TB Program in the period July 2007 to February 2008.
RESULTS: Of the 104 interviewed health workers, 71% were still deployed at the original work site at the time of the interview and 87% reported they found the training event attended to be useful. However, any form of follow up was provided to only 40% of respondents, and 25% reported having attended another similar training event on the same topic at some point in time.
CONCLUSION: All programs with a substantial training component should conduct a periodic methodical evaluation of the training.