Availability and Utilization of the Mechanisms for Monitoring and Evaluating Continuing Professional Development in Kenya: A Case of Middle Level Health Training Institutions

Abstract

In Kenya, middle• level health training institutions (MLHTls) produce the bulk of health workers at continuing professional development (CPD) training level. However, information on whether monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms for CPD training are available and utilized at MLHTIs in Kenya is scarce and may not be relied on to develop appropriate M&E systems. The main objective of this study was to determine the availability and utilization of the mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating CPD training among public, private and faith-based MLHTIs in Kenya. The study was guided by two hypotheses: there are no significant differences in the availability of M&E mechanisms for CPD training among institutions in the three categories (public, faith-based, private); and, there are no significant differences in the utilization of M&E mechanisms for CPD training among institutions in the three categories. The respondents were 375 tutors from public, faith-based and private MLHTIs, selected using a mix of sampling techniques: stratified, purposive, proportionate to size and simple random. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, key informant interviews, and desk review. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while data from desk review was analysed through a process of data reduction, organization and interpretation. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the significant differences (p<O.O 1) in availability and utilization of M&E mechanisms, among institutions in the three categories. The study found out that there were significant differences in the availability of M&E guidelines (x2=13.921, df=2, p=.001); questionnaire (x2=20.326, df=2, p=.00); and end of course evaluation form (x2=24.222, df=2, p=.00). There were also significant differences in the utilization of the end of course evaluation form (x2=24.542, df=2, p=.00). The study concludes that there are significant differences in the availability and utilization of the M&E mechanisms for CPD training at MLHTIs in Kenya. Capacity building for tutors at MLHTIs in the area of monitoring and evaluation of CPD was recommended.