Evaluation the Effectiveness of Abridged IMNCI (7-Day) Course v Standard (11-Day) Course in Pakistan

Abstract

Background The conventional IMCI training for healthcare providers is delivered in 11 days, which can be expensive and disruptive to the normal clinical routines of the providers. An equally effective, shorter training course may address these challenges. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental study in two provinces (Sindh and Punjab) of Pakistan. 104 healthcare providers were conveniently selected to receive either the abridged (7-day) or the standard (11-day) training. Knowledge and clinical skills of the participants were assessed before, immediately on conclusion of, and six months after the training. Results The improvement in mean knowledge scores of the 7-day and 11-day training groups was 31.6 (95% CI 24.3, 38.8) and 29.4 (95% CI 23.9, 34.9) respectively, p = 0.630 while the improvement in mean clinical skills scores of the 7-day and 11-day training groups was 23.8 (95% CI: 19.3, 28.2) and 23.0 (95% CI 18.9, 27.0) respectively, p = 0.784. The decline in mean knowledge scores six months after the training was − 12.4 (95% CI − 18.5, − 6.4) and − 6.4 (95% CI − 10.5, − 2.3) in the 7-day and 11-day groups respectively, p = 0.094. The decline in mean clinical skills scores six months after the training was − 6.3 (95% CI − 11.3, − 1.3) in the 7-day training group and − 9.1 (95% CI − 11.5, − 6.6) in the 11-day group, p = 0.308. Conclusion An abridged IMNCI training is equally effective as the standard training. However, training for certain illnesses may be better delivered by the standard course.

Utilization of the Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) protocol and associated factors among health care workers in health centers of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: an institution-based mixed study

“…The utilization of this standard protocol also promotes rational drug use through the use of a limited number of essential drugs. Utilizing the IMNCI protocol improves the awareness of the caretaker on how to administer oral drugs and treat the child at home when hospital admission is not needed ( 3 ). The IMNCI protocol is considered a means to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), which aim to end preventable neonatal and child mortality by securing nutritional needs and access to quality care and boosting childhood development by 2030 ( 4 ).…”