|
In Ankleshwar Block of Bharuch, Gujarat, effective planning and coordination help tackle gaps in the knowledge and counseling skills of front-line workers (FLWs) identified during supportive supervision visits.
Supportive supervision trainings under Implementation Research in Ankleshwar block of Bharuch district were followed by field visits aided with mobile app by NHM Supervisors, which included Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Facilitators, auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM), female health supervisors (FHS) and Taluka Health Visitor (THV).
Training on supportive supervision gave confidence to the NHM cadres to make supportive supervision field visits instead of just monitoring visits. During the home visits and at Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days, the supervisors could identify major gaps with the use of supportive supervision mobile app. Gaps were identified in knowledge, particularly maternal, infant, and young child feeding nutrition, and counseling skills. It was also observed that the FLWs were not giving complete and proper messages to the beneficiaries.
During the block-level review meeting, the THV observed that the above issues had been identified by ASHA facilitators, ANMs, and FHS in almost all the public health centers (PHCs) in the block. The matter was discussed with the Taluka Health Officer (THO). It was then decided that the Community Health Officers (CHOs) of the blocks would be given the responsibility to facilitate sessions on knowledge gaps and counseling for the FLWs of their sub-centers and PHCs. Looking at the situation, THV arranged a meeting with the THO where the block coordinator was also invited. THO felt that gaps in knowledge and counseling skills were serious issues and needed to be addressed on a priority basis. He suggested Saturday meetings at the PHC level to be a good platform to resolve these issues. It was thus decided that every Saturday at the PHC meeting, all the FLWs and supervisors would meet.
“After the supportive supervision training by Alive & Thrive, our supervisors started making home visits with the help of the mobile app. With the App, the supervisors could easily identify the gaps and issues. After discussing with the THV, I came to know that there were common knowledge gaps on different topics among front-line workers. So, we decided to arrange training on these topics using Saturday meetings as a platform. The responsibility of these trainings has been given to the MOs of the PHC. I am observing that these trainings are very useful in capacitating the front-line workers.” added Dr. Sushant Kathorwala, THO, Ankleshwar.
Taking charge, THO asked the THV to prepare a list of all the topics where knowledge gaps were observed. After consultation with other supervisors and the block coordinator, the list was prepared from which a topic for each Saturday of the month was selected. All the topics would be covered in five months. After planning and finalization, THO issued a letter to all the PHCs, attaching the discussion points for Saturday meetings. In this letter, THO directed the Medical Officer (MO)/MO AYUSH/CHO/FHS to conduct sessions on the topics mentioned in the circular. The PHC MOs were asked to ensure that the calendar of the topics was followed in the upcoming Saturday meetings. THV was to coordinate and follow up with the PHCs for the effective rollout of the knowledge upskilling sessions.
| 
