Peer and group supervision for improving motivation and performance of Health Surveillance Assistants: Malawi
Chikaphupha K, Namakhoma I, Kok M, Kwalamasa K, Theobald S (2016) Peer and group supervision for improving motivation and performance of Health Surveillance Assistants: Lessons from a quality improvement intervention in rural Malawi, poster given at the 2016 Global Symposium on Health Systems Research
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are key to both resilient and responsive health systems. Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in Malawi are the core cadre extending health services to communities. Their performance is hindered by poor supervision, which tends to be irregular and unsupportive. To improve these supervision related challenges, we piloted an innovative peer and group supervision approach in hard to reach areas in two districts in Malawi. The peer supervision
involved block leaders (often senior HSAs) meeting fortnightly with small groups of HSAs. This was combined with monthly larger group supervision meetings at the health centre level. All supervisors were trained in supportive supervision approaches including providing feedback, mentorship and problem solving. In addition, a performance appraisal system at the block level was introduced. We assessed the perceptions of stakeholders involved on the impact of the intervention on motivation and performance of HSAs.
This project is funded by the European Union.