Evaluation of distance learning IMCI training program: the case of Tanzania

BACKGROUND: The standard 11-days IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness) training course (standard IMCI) has faced barriers such as high cost to scale up. Distance learning IMCI training program was developed as an alternative to the standard IMCI course. This article presents the evaluation results of the implementation of distance learning IMCI training program in Tanzania. METHODS: From December 2012 to end of June 2015, a total of 4806 health care providers (HCP) were trained on distance learning IMCI from 1427 health facilities {HF) in 68 districts in Tanzania. Clinical assessments were done at the end of each course and on follow up visits of health facilities 4 to 6 weeks after training. The results of those assessments are used to compare performance of health care providers trained in distance learning IMCI with those trained in the standard IMCI course. Statistical analysis is done by comparing proportions of those with appropriate performances using four WHO priority performance indicators as well as cost of conducting the courses. In addition, the perspectives of health care providers, IMCI course facilitators, policy makers and partners were gathered using either focussed group discussions or structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Distance learning IMCI allowed clusters of training courses to take place in parallel, allowing rapid expansion of IMCI coverage. Health care providers trained in distance learning IMCI performed equally well as those trained in the standard IMCI course in assessing Main Symptoms, treating sick children and counselling caretakers appropriately. They performed better in assessing Danger Signs. Distance learning IMCI gave a 70% reduction in cost of conducting the training courses. CONCLUSION: Distance learning IMCI is an alternative to scaling up IMCI as it provides an effective option with significant cost reduction in conducting training courses. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3336-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.