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Publications
Tools To Assess Family Planning CounselingA COMPENDIUM OF FIELD-TESTED SURVEY INSTRUMENTS FROM JHU/PCS EXECUTIVE SUMMARYAs technical advisor to family planning program managers throughout the developing world, the Johns Hopkins University/Population Communication Services has participated in developing and implementing a broad range of information, education and communication (IEC) activities and materials. Much JHU/PCS work has focused on the training and evaluation of in-clinic and community-based family planning service providers, with special emphasis on interpersonal communication skills. The first step in any effort to evaluate and improve counseling is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the service providers who counsel clients. The set of four, field-tested research instruments published in "Tools to Assess Family Planning Counseling" can elicit the information family planning program managers need, with a balance of first-hand observation and structured interviews. The four survey instruments published here can be used in observing and interviewing new clients and continuing clients, interviewing service providers, and observation of the study site. Used in tandem, the instruments provide the elements of a detailed picture of the state of family planning communication at service delivery sites. Used as published or adapted to local needs and conditions, these research tools provide program managers with essential information on:
In connection with service provision, JHU/PCS has formulated an effective approach, termed GATHER, for training and evaluating the effectiveness of counselors. The mnemonic, providing guideposts for effective interpersonal communication in health-care delivery, identifies six essential elements of good counseling: G Greet clients and make them comfortable; Organized according to GATHER, the first two instruments, for use with new and continuing clients, focus directly on client/provider interactions. First, a trained observer completes an observation guide. The next records, through interview, the client's view of the consultation. The third directs questions to service providers, with interviewers collecting data on providers' experience, training, exposure to mass-media family planning messages, and use of IEC materials. The fourth guides observation of the study site, assessing availability of family planning methods, inventorying IEC materials, and if possible, observing group talks. Consistent use of standard, detailed evaluation instruments to elicit information from and about family planning counselors and clients enables family planning program managers to conduct the evaluation necessary to establish and maintain high-quality client counseling. The same set of assessment tools can serve in preliminary needs assessment for IEC interventions and materials; in impact evaluation to gauge the effectiveness of training in improving counseling; and in the training, supervision, and monitoring of family planning counselors. JHU/PCS has had extensive experience using assessment tools of these kinds in cities in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and elsewhere. To purchase copies of the complete document, at $5 each, please contact: Center Publications Copies in limited numbers are available at no charge to readers in developing countries. |
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