Female health workers in Gujarat: Examining human resource actions and workforce objectives-an exploratory mixed...

Background. Female health workers (FHWs), posted at subcentres, each serving a rural population of 3000 to 5000, are the final points of contact between the people and the health system. This study assesses a selected sample of FHWs using the 'managing for performance' framework. Methods. Twenty-two FHWs and their supervisors at five primary health centres near Ahmedabad were purposively selected for this mixed methods study. They were administered a semi-structured questionnaire, which also guided 12 individual interviews and four focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using Epi Info and Excel. Content analysis of the qualitative data was done using Microsoft Word. Results. In spite of increased FHW strength due to recent recruitments, one-third of these FHWs were carrying out additional responsibilities of another FHW or supervisor. Planning of tasks was the most popular activity while the chief demotivating factor at work was meeting targets. Recent trainings have been useful but failed to build specific competence as required. About 37% of routine person-tasks carried out by FHWs were graded below 60 points by supervisors. They rated the FHWs highly for their collaboration with community leaders although FHWs themselves did not consider community leaders to be a helpful resource. Conclusion. Mapping age, skill levels and locations of existing FHWs and soon-to-be retirees would be useful when planning future expansion of the FHW cadre. The natural elasticity of base populations due to migration as well as unpredictability of their work schedules need to be taken into account when monitoring the work performance of FHWs. District training centres need to be developed to provide a wide range of competencies.