Initial experiences and innovations in supervising community health workers for maternal, newborn, and child health in Morogoro region, Tanzania

• DOI: 10.1186/s12960-015-0010-x
• Publication Date: 2015-04-08T04:39:47Z
• Authors: Timothy Roberton; Jennifer Applegate; Amnesty E Lefevre; Idda Mosha; Chelsea M Cooper; Marissa Silverman; Isabelle Feldhaus; Joy J Chebet; Rose Mpembeni; Helen Semu; Japhet Killewo; Peter Winch; Abdullah H Baqui; Asha S George
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Clinical Supervision; Health administration

Supervision is meant to improve the performance and motivation of community health workers (CHWs). However, most evidence on supervision relates facility workers. The Integrated Maternal, Newborn, Child Health (MNCH) Program in Morogoro region, Tanzania, implemented a CHW pilot with cascade model where were trained supportive for volunteer CHWs, supported by regional district staff, village leaders further support CHWs. We examine initial experiences their supervisors, understand strengths challenges such CHWs.Quantitative qualitative data collected concurrently from leaders. A survey was administered 228 (96%) CHWs MNCH semi-structured interviews conducted 15 8 purposefully sampled represent different actor perspectives centre catchment villages region. Descriptive statistics analysed frequency content supervision, while thematic analysis explored CHW, supervisor, leader supervision.CHWs meet facility-based supervisors an average 1.2 times per month. value appreciate sense legitimacy that arises when visit them village. Village staff are engaged committed supporting Despite these successes, only once every 2.8 months, still see primarily as opportunity check reports, meetings infrequent not well scheduled.Supervision could be strengthened streamlining protocols focus less report checking more problem solving skills development. Facility workers, important technical oversight, may best mentors certain tasks relationship-building. suggest exploring innovations, enhanced role actors, who suitable promotion than scarce over-worked