Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Training Through the Lens of the Participants

Abstract

This qualitative study, which made use of a focus group discussion for data collection, aimed to describe the outcomes of the IMCI service providers training in terms of the knowledge, skills, and attitude gained by the participants. Furthermore, it also aimed to describe the services rendered and the challenges they encountered in their one year of utilizing the IMCI strategy in their respective health centers. The participants consisted of six midwives of the nine who completed the training which was organized by the Revitalizing Primary Health Care (RPHC) Project of the College of Nursing of Silliman University, Dumaguete City, which is funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines. The study made use of content analysis to interpret the collected data. The results of the study show that the participants appreciated the training because it is useful, helpful, and empowering. More so, it makes the health services accessible and affordable to the community. The knowledge and skills learned by the participants, as well as the services rendered, are related to the four steps of the IMCI process which are assessing, classifying the illness, treating the child, and health education/counselling. The two steps of the process which are not mentioned as learned and performed are identifying the treatment and giving of follow-up care. The study also yields some challenges and problems experienced by the IMCI-trained participants, which are related to logistics, the attitude and expectations of some mothers about how their sick children should be managed, self-doubt when the classifications identified do not match with the doctors’ diagnoses, and time constraints when implementing such a long but important strategy. The recognition of the importance of applying the newly acquired knowledge and skills and the enhancement of caring behavior manifested through a
deeper concern for the children and prompt attendance to their needs help the trainees perform these IMCI-related services. In view of the results of this study, it is recommended that more midwives and nurses will be trained in IMCI strategy. Furthermore, the challenges and difficulties shall be looked into by the authorities concerned, and regular continuing education and update sessions for the participants should be conducted. It would also be beneficial if another study can be
conducted to look into the performance of IMCI-trained personnel in the city health offices and rural health units to gain a deeper understanding of the issues.