Conference presentation
To explore the self-preparedness and expectations of community health (CHW) graduates for practice in a rural remote culturally diverse setting of Papua New Guinea
USC Research Conference, 2014 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 14-Jul-2014–18-Jul-2014)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2014
Abstract
Background: Community Health Workers (CHWS) comprise about 50% of the total health service workforce in PNG (at around 4,400). Even though this group are seen as the frontline key health service work force (and of half of the total health workforce), little is published about this cadre of the work force. PNG is largely mountainous, and the majority of the population (85%) live in isolated rural areas cut off from many basic services. CHWs are trained to live amongst the rural communities and deliver primary health care in different diverse settings of the country. Research Aims, Objectives, Questions: The purpose of this research is to explore the self-perceived preparedness of Community Health Worker graduates in a rural remote culturally diverse community in PNG. My research matters as training a quality health workforce for the right purpose is a concern to a culturally diverse country like PNG. The frontline health workforce has to be well prepared as many who live in rural/remote settings of PNG suffer from preventable diseases. With a critical shortage of health workforce, and 45-55% of this workforce due for retirement in the next decade, there is an urgent need to retain the newly qualified CHWs in PNG. Methods: The self-perceived preparedness of CHWs will be explored in two parts. A longitudinal study; a cohort of students about to graduate from the three Highlands CHW schools in PNG will be recruited and asked about their expectation of practice. These new graduates will then be followed up after six months practice. The second cohort will be the CHWs who been in practice for more than two years. A mixed method approach will be used to gather information through interviews and surveys. Results: The results of the literature review will be presented.
Details
- Title
- To explore the self-preparedness and expectations of community health (CHW) graduates for practice in a rural remote culturally diverse setting of Papua New Guinea
- Authors
- Cathy Lepi Pilang (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Conference details
- USC Research Conference, 2014 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 14-Jul-2014–18-Jul-2014)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2014
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2014 The Author.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448724102621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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