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Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria

Authors: Akeju , Vidler , SOTUNSA John , Osiberu , Orenuga , Oladapo , Adepoju , Qureshi , Sawchuck , Adetoro , Von Dadelszen P

Publication Type: Journal article

Journal: Reproductive Health

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Abstract

Background:The dearth of health personnel in low income countries has attracted global attention. Ways as tohow health care services can be delivered in a more efficient and effective way using available health personnelare being explored. Task-sharing expands the responsibilities of low-cadre health workers and allows them toshare these responsibilities with highly qualified health care providers in an effort to best utilize available humanresources. This is appropriate in a country like Nigeria where there is a shortage of qualified health professionals and ahuge burden of maternal mortality resulting from obstetric complications like pre-eclampsia. This study examines theprospect for task-sharing among Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) for the detection of early signs ofpre-eclampsia, in Ogun State, Nigeria.Methods:This study is part of a larger community-based trial evaluating the acceptability of community treatmentfor severe pre-eclampsia in Ogun State, Nigeria. Datawas collected between 2011 and 2012 using focus groupdiscussions; seven with CHEWs (n= 71), three with male decision-makers (n= 35), six with community leaders(n= 68), and one with member of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (n= 9). In addition,interviews were conducted with the heads of the local government administration (n= 4), directors of planning(n= 4), medical officers (n=4),andChiefNursingOfficers(n= 4). Qualitative data were analysed using NVivo version10.0 3 computer software.Results:The non-availability of health personnel is a major challenge, and has resulted in a high proportion offacility-based care performed by CHEWs. As a result, CHEWs often take on roles that are designated for senior healthworkers. This role expansion has exposed CHEWs to the basics of obstetric care, and has resulted in informal task-sharingamong the health workers. The knowledge and ability of CHEWs to perform basic clinical assessments, such as measureblood pressure is not in doubt. Nevertheless, there were divergent views by senior and junior cadres of healthpractitioners about CHEWs’abilities in providing obstetric care. Similarly, there were concerns by various stakeholders,particularly the CHEWs themselves, on the regulatory restrictions placed on them by the Standing Order. Conclusion:Generally, the extent to which obstetric tasks could be shifted to community health workers will bedetermined by the training provided and the extent to which the observed barriers are addressed.

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Akeju,D. Vidler,M. SOTUNSA,J. Osiberu,M. Orenuga,E. Oladapo,O. Adepoju,A. Qureshi,R. Sawchuck,D. Adetoro,O. Von,D.P . (2016). Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria, 13 (), 115-115.

Akeju,D. Vidler,M. SOTUNSA,J. Osiberu,M. Orenuga,E. Oladapo,O. Adepoju,A. Qureshi,R. Sawchuck,D. Adetoro,O. Von,D.P . "Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria" 13, no (), (2016): 115-115.

Akeju,D. and Vidler,M. and SOTUNSA,J. and Osiberu,M. and Orenuga,E. and Oladapo,O. and Adepoju,A. and Qureshi,R. and Sawchuck,D. and Adetoro,O. and Von,D.P and . (2016). Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria, 13 (), pp115-115.

AkejuD, VidlerM, SOTUNSAJ, OsiberuM, OrenugaE, OladapoO, AdepojuA, QureshiR, SawchuckD, AdetoroO, VonDP, . Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria. 2016, 13 ():115-115.

Akeju,Do , Vidler,M , SOTUNSA,John , Osiberu,Mo , Orenuga,Eo , Oladapo,Ot , Adepoju,A , Qureshi,R , Sawchuck,D , Adetoro,Oo , and Von,Dadelszen P . "Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria", 13 . (2016) : 115-115.

A.Do V.M S.John O.Mo O.Eo O.Ot A.A Q.R S.D A.Oo & V.Dadelszen P , "Human resource constraints and theprospect of task-sharing among communityhealth workers for the detection of earlysigns of pre-eclampsia in Ogun State,Nigeria" vol.13, no., pp. 115-115, 2016.

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