Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the implementation of integrated community case management in Kenya

To evaluate an integrated community case management programme for sick children aged 2 to 59 months in western Kenya using the Research, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.

This was a prospective observational research project conducted between December 2013 and February 2016. Outcome variables were measured before, during and at end of implementation using a series of surveys as well as by looking at routine service statistics.

A total of 2604 community health workers were trained in 245 community units. The average post-training knowledge level (73.5%) and retention rates (89.7) of trained community health workers was high. At the end of study, there was an increase in the proportion of children who received appropriate treatment for diarrhoea (49.2%), pneumonia (19.5%), malaria (16.4%) and vitamin A (51.5%) from baseline. Community health workers were able to assess, classify and treat sick children with a similar quality as that provided by facility-based healthcare workers (>85% concordance).

Based on the RE-AIM metrics, our results demonstrate promising practical approaches and outcomes of a large-scale implementation of integrated community case management in western Kenya. The findings have important implications for future design and expansion of the programme in Kenya.