Evaluating the Training Program of District Health System Management Learning (DHML) of Kalasin Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to evaluate District Health System (DHS) management competency of the participants in District Health System Management Learning (DHML) training program, a case of Kalasin Province. There were 50 trainees (learning teams) who were the members of 6 district health teams, and attended the DHML program in Kalasin Province, including Muang Kalasin, Kuchinarai, Sam Chai, Nong Kung Si, Sam Chai, Kham Muang and Rong Kham districts. Data were collected by quantitative method using DHS management competency self-assessment, and qualitative method using focus group discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, average, and standard deviation. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

          The results revealed that for the 1-year project which was divided into five workshops, all district health teams had their own projects (one project for one district) to be learnt and developed for improving the district health system. The level of essential and supplement competency for managing the district health system of the participants was examined three times. Therefore, the participant competencies were reported as having a moderate level at the first time (mean score = 3.66, SD = 0.45), a high level at the second time (mean score = 3.90, SD = 0.29), and a high level at the last time (mean score = 4.08, SD = 0.37).

          In conclusion, this DHML training program of Kalasin Province was successful. Therefore, it should be beneficial to expand this program across Thailand in order to develop district health teams and also networks, within and between districts, to continually learn and work together.