Evaluating the output of transformational patient-centred nurse training in Ethiopia

To strengthen efforts in prevention, proper care and control of tuberculosis (TB) in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Nurses Association (ENA) trained nurses in the use of patient-centred transformational training methods developed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

To evaluate the impact of the training course on patient outcomes, changes in practice and the numbers of additional people trained following the training.

During the TB project period, 115 nurses were trained in the care, prevention and management of TB and multidrug-resistant TB (TB/MDR-TB). The effect of this training was evaluated by telephone, during annual review meetings from 2010 to 2012 and at on-site assessment visits conducted from December 2012 to February 2013. These visits were conducted in 11 health facilities (7 hospitals and 4 health centres), where trained nurses and managers were interviewed using a checklist.

A total of 14 nurses were interviewed. All of them made a schedule and offered training on TB/MDR-TB for health care providers, clients and/or communities. Practical changes and improvements in patient outcomes were observed in the health facilities where nurses had been trained.

Results showed that the transformational patient-centred training methods used led to ongoing training provision and practical improvements. In addition, it was found that addressing health care providers and the community at large through awareness-raising by trained nurses has the potential to bring about behavioural change likely to reduce the risk of transmission. Using a variety of methods was found to be a cost-effective and realistic way of evaluating the effect of training.