Assessing the quality of training activities by measuring participants' reaction: a questionnaire based study from Kurdistan/ Iraq

ABSTRACT

Investigating and interpreting quality, accessibility, delivery, and outcomes of training activities are the key to feed back health officials, providers, and other decision makers about the impact of the training programmes provided for health staff . To assess the attitude of the staff toward the quality of training activities conducted over the last 5 years for staff affiliated to MOH in Kurdistan/ Iraq. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok Governorates from 26th Oct- l0th Nov 2013. Multistage systematic random sampling was used to enroll the participants in this study through visiting the Institutions being selected and to hold a direct Interview with the participants to explain the questionnaire. The questionnaire included 4 parts to assess many aspects of training activities. Total number of participants was 79; Thirty-three were women and 46 were men. Nineteen participants [24.1%] were from Ministry of Health in Kurdistan/Iraq and 60 [75.9%] were from its Health directorates. Men are outnumbering women in participation in the training courses, workshops and conferences. Participation in training courses and attendance of conferences were statistically associated with level of education of the staff. Majority of participants agreed that the training courses have raised their awareness and skills [77. 72%], developed social networking [76.71%], and strengthened their technical and/or administrative capabilities [75.95%]; however, [37.72%] considered that training courses were waste of time, money and efforts. Participates have stated that personal relationships with managers may affect the selection for participation [72. 66%]. Also [46.33%] of participants agreed that the selection was not based on working background and technical capabilities. More than 50% the participants have not been adequately notified about the date of activity or receiving the agenda of the training courses in advance. Men participated In training activities more than women especially in attending conferences. Selection criteria for training are related to educational levels rather than working experiences. Participation In training courses can raise awareness and develop skills for participants; however, selection of participants is not always based on scientific and objective criteria. Participants are not well prepared by early notification and provision of educational agenda and materials before the start of training activities