Poor knowledge among health care providers (including health workers and citizens) leads to poor health outcomes. This article discusses current linear research-to-practice paradigms and argues that these approaches are not meeting the needs of health care providers in low- and middle-income countries. It suggests a broader, needs-led approach. This approach must look beyond … [Read more...] about Towards a Collective Understanding of the Information Needs of Health Care Providers in Low-Income Countries, and How to Meet Them
Human Resources Management/Workforce Development
Information needs of health care workers in developing countries: a literature review with a focus on Africa
Health care workers in developing countries continue to lack access to basic, practical information to enable them to deliver safe, effective care. This paper provides the first phase of a broader literature review of the information and learning needs of health care providers in developing countries.The studies suggest a gross lack of knowledge about the basics on how to … [Read more...] about Information needs of health care workers in developing countries: a literature review with a focus on Africa
A Summary of State Community Health Worker Laws
The Community Health Workers in Massachusetts: Improving Health Care and Public Health Report (2009) identifies four areas in which Departments of Public Health and partner organizations can develop a sustainable CHW program: infrastructure, professional identity, workforce development, and financing. The report includes recommendations in each area and a fact … [Read more...] about A Summary of State Community Health Worker Laws
Handbook for Enhancing Community Health Worker Programs: Guidance for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Part 1)
This handbook contains a synthesis of the most current information available for developing and managing effective community health worker programs. A description of key components of effective community health worker programs is provided, along with action templates to develop tools for applying what is learned. Upon completing this manual, the reader will build skills in … [Read more...] about Handbook for Enhancing Community Health Worker Programs: Guidance for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Part 1)
CHW Program Functionality Improvement, Performance and Engagement: Operations Research Results from Zambia
The United Nations Millennium Project identified the large-scale training and deployment of community health workers (CHWs) as an important strategy for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, programs involving CHWs are also known to be fraught with significant human resources challenges. The USAID Health Care Improvement Project (HCI) developed the … [Read more...] about CHW Program Functionality Improvement, Performance and Engagement: Operations Research Results from Zambia