Training Effectiveness and Its Process Management in Public Health Institutions of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Trainings impart health professionals’ knowledge and skill competencies and improve service quality if it aimed at addressing identified performance gaps and resolved obstacles that reduce its effectiveness. This study assessed effectiveness of trainings conducted in 2017 and its process management in health institutions of Tigray.

Method and Materials

This cross sectional study was conducted among 357 health professionals from 53 public health institutions of Tigray, Ethiopia from March to May 2018. Training effectiveness was assessed using Kirkpatrick’s method. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.

Result

The absence of institutional training policy and training committee was indicated by 54% and 64% of the respondents, respectively. Mean effect size of training effectiveness in terms of trainees’ reactions, learning, and behavior criteria was 0.74. The priority barriers of training knowledge transfer were retentive capacity and work overload of trainees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the level of effectiveness of trainings provided was medium effect size. Conducting coordinated trainings, on-the-job mentorship are lacking. Knowledge and skills gained, performance improved, and effect of performance on services delivery requires further consideration. We recommend periodic need assessments, evaluation of training programs, and institutionalizing training procedures.

Keywords: Training, effectiveness, process management, barriers,Training effectiveness,