Use of Online Databases by Undergraduate Students at a Health Sciences College in Malawi

Chima, Teddie; Chawinga, Winner Dominic; Chipeta, George Theodore

doi:10.1080/10572317.2023.2192631

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…The study sample consisted of slightly more females, which contrasts with the male-dominated admission rates at the College as seen in the recent studies conducted by Chima (2022) 31 and Chima et al 32,33 at Saint John of God College of Health Sciences in Malawi. This disparity may reflect a gender imbalance in the field of psychosocial counselling.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

A Tracer Study of Psychosocial Counselling Graduates Working in Different Healthcare Facilities Across Malawi

Chima,

Mkwinda,

Kumwenda

et al. 2023

JMDH

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Background: Graduate Tracer Studies plays a key role in informing higher education institutions worldwide about the effectiveness of their programs and preparing graduates for the job market. The study aimed to trace its psychosocial counselling graduates working in different healthcare facilities across Malawi. Methods: The tracer study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design where the quantitative research method, specifically a survey was used. Data was gathered from Psychosocial counselling graduates of Saint John of God College of Health Sciences using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Out of 123 participants, 72 responded, yielding a response rate of 59%. Of these, there were 40 (55.6%) females and 32 (44.4%) males. Results indicated strong belief among participants that the program provided them with valuable skills. The majority of graduates reported successful employment outcomes, with an impressive 62 (86.1%) securing jobs, often within a short period. Many participants effectively utilized the knowledge and skills acquired during the program within their workplace settings. However, a subset of graduates faced challenges in applying their training. Recommendations for program improvement included the addition of courses such as Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The identified key challenges encompassed low staffing levels and limited resources. Conclusion:The study confirms program effectiveness based on positive outcomes reported by graduates in job relevance, skill development, and knowledge use. Addressing identified gaps and implementing recommended improvements can enhance graduates' employability, meet market demands, and improve the psychosocial counselling health sector in Malawi. The study recommends that the College should consider collaborating with industry partners, monitoring employment outcomes, and proactively adapting the curriculum is vital for program success and professional development.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

A Tracer Study of Psychosocial Counselling Graduates Working in Different Healthcare Facilities Across Malawi

Chima,

Mkwinda,

Kumwenda

et al. 2023

JMDH

Self Cite

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“…In addition, participants may not necessarily have represented the gender distribution of data users in Malawi (although in Malawi many managerial positions are held by males). Chima (2022) found that more male students were enrolled for the past 3 years at Saint John of God College of Health Sciences in Malawi. Chima et al (2023), Chawinga and Zozie (2016), Zozie and Chawinga (2018) also observed the dominance of male students in institutions of higher learning in Malawi.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The need for health information management professionals in Malawi health facilities

Chima¹,

Mkwinda²,

Kumwenda³

2023

HIM J

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Background: Health information management (HIM) is at the core of health organisations, providing essential information. In Malawi, there is a substantial deficit of qualified personnel, specifically health information managers, who can properly manage health information in electronic and paper-based formats. The nation has no higher education institution offering an academic programme in HIM. Objective: To investigate the need for HIM professionals in Malawi government health facilities, to determine the kinds of data managed by data users; competencies of HIM workers and challenges associated with the current HIM system. Method: A cross-sectional research design was adopted, with a qualitative approach to gather data from data users and key informants, using two focused interview guides. Data were collected from 13 participants from 6 government health facilities representing the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery levels. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Data users handled a diverse range of data, the majority having moderate skills in HIM. Both data users and key informants reported experiencing challenges in dealing with the existing HIM system. Findings also revealed key challenges associated with the absence, or inadequacy, of a well-trained HIM professional workforce in Malawi health facilities. Conclusion: Introducing a training programme in HIM would improve data management in health facilities in Malawi. Well-managed data would improve the delivery of health care services.

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“…Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2023:16 2522 results. 24,25 In agreement with that, scholars argue that incorporating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into counselling practice can assist improve the profession. [37][38][39] These include online databases, online platforms, and electronic record-keeping systems.…”

Section: Dovepressmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…In Malawi, Saint John of God College of Health Sciences is a reputable institution of higher learning providing training in psychosocial counselling since 2003. 23,24 Much as the Psychosocial Counselling Curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills, still more there is limited information on the quality of the graduates produced by the College. It is also not yet known on how well the graduates are meeting the expectations of employers and addressing the various needs of clients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Employers Feedback on Psychosocial Counselling Graduates’ Performance in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Malawi

Chima,

Mkwinda,

Machaya

2023

JMDH

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Psychosocial counselling is vital for addressing mental health challenges in Malawi, a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals, including Psychosocial counsellors. The Saint John of God College of Health Sciences aims to produce competent graduates in psychosocial counselling, but there is a lack of information on the quality of graduates and their ability to meet employer expectations. This qualitative study aimed to explore employers' feedback on psychosocial counselling graduates' performance in selected healthcare facilities in Malawi. Methods: This qualitative approach employed an explorative research design. Eighteen participants were selected purposefully from ten healthcare facilities across three regions of Malawi. They were interviewed independently using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analysed thematically using content analysis approach.Results: The study reveals the assigned responsibilities of psychosocial counselling graduates, including providing HIV/AIDS therapeutic services, individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and coordinating referrals. Employers recognize the graduates' competence in communication skills, empathy, theoretical knowledge, and professionalism. However, some weaknesses were identified, such as difficulties in maintaining boundaries, limited knowledge of health-related terms, and a lack of proactivity. Suggestions for improvement include teaching professionalism, incorporating health-related terms in the curriculum, following up with graduates, continuing the practicum aspect, establishing partnerships, and expanding training in evidence-based practices. Conclusion:The study explored employer feedback on psychosocial counselling graduates from Saint John of God College of Health Sciences in Malawi. The study to identified strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations were made to improve the Psychosocial counselling academic programme. Implementing them can improve graduates quality and mental health outcomes in Malawi.

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Use of Online Databases by Undergraduate Students at a Health Sciences College in Malawi

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

A Tracer Study of Psychosocial Counselling Graduates Working in Different Healthcare Facilities Across Malawi

A Tracer Study of Psychosocial Counselling Graduates Working in Different Healthcare Facilities Across Malawi

The need for health information management professionals in Malawi health facilities

Employers Feedback on Psychosocial Counselling Graduates’ Performance in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Malawi

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