Authors: Claire Glenton, Christopher J Colvin, Benedicte Carlsen, Alison Swartz, Simon Lewin, Jane Noyes, Arash Rashidian
Lay health workers (LHWs) perform functions related to healthcare delivery, receive some level of training, but have no formal professional or paraprofessional certificate or tertiary education degree. This review addresses these issues through a synthesis of qualitative evidence and was carried out alongside the Cochrane review of the effectiveness of LHWs for maternal and child health. The overall aim of the review is to explore barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of LHW programmes for maternal and child health.
Conclusion – Rather than being seen as a lesser trained health worker, LHWs may represent a different and sometimes preferred type of health worker. The close relationship between LHWs and recipients is a programme strength. However, programme planners must consider how to achieve the benefits of closeness while minimizing the potential drawbacks. Other important facilitators may include the development of services that recipients perceive as relevant; regular and visible support from the health system and the community; and appropriate training, supervision and incentives.
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Resource Topic: Community Health Workers/Volunteers, Human Resources Management/Workforce Development, Recruitment and Retention, Sustainability
Resource Type: Journal articles, Research
Year: 2012
Region:
Country: Global
Publisher May Restrict Access: No