In-service Training of Maternal Health Workers in Rural Areas in Vietnam: Is it Relevant, Timely and Effective? A Mixed-method Study

Training is widely considered to contribute to the ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ capacities of health workers. Having appropriately skilled health workers is recognised as critical to assuring quality health services. This study examined the relevance of in-service training (IST) provided to maternal health workers (MHW) in rural Vietnam. A mixed method approach was used involving a survey of 240 health workers providing maternal health services and managers and 43 in-depth interviews of health workers and managers from 5 health districts across two provinces in Vietnam. Although two thirds of participants reported accessing IST within the previous 12 months, only 53.3% attended maternal health training. Factors related to the self-reported ability to perform Essential Obstetric Care (EOC) include: Being trained on EOC; Work experience; and Qualifications of MHWs. Participants reported that the IST was irrelevant to their actual needs, while managers reported frustration that IST programs were scheduled haphazardly, dependent on budget availability. In conclusion, in-service training programs should be designed taking into account the needs of the workforce and managers in terms of content, mode of delivery, scheduling and follow-up. Poorly planned and inappropriately delivered training may contribute to a perceived inability to provide EOC.