%0 Journal Article
%T Outcomes of the Expanded Programme on Immunization Pre-Service Training Initiatives in Kenya: A Mixed Methods Study
%A Iqbal Hossain
%A Evans Mokaya
%A Isaac Mugoya
%A Folake Olayinka
%A Lora Shimp
%J World Journal of Vaccines
%P 85-98
%@ 2160-5823
%D 2019
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/wjv.2019.94006
%X <strong>Background:</strong> The Maternal and Child Survival Program of United States Agency for International Development conducted a study in 2017 to assess the outcome of an initiative to strengthen Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) pre-service training. The pre-service training initiative was undertaken by the Ministry of Health (MOH) with support from partners in 2012-2016. The overall objective of the study was to assess the adoption and effectiveness of the initiative in the competency (knowledge, skills and attitude) of graduate nurses. <strong>Methods: </strong>The study included a conveniently selected sample of 14 pre-service training institutions, 23 field practicum sites, and 29 health facilities in western Kenya, and used quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. <strong>Results: </strong>All pre-service training institutions were found to have adapted the WHO EPI prototype curriculum. Overall, tutors followed training method in the classroom as suggested in the curriculum, except evaluation of students¡¯ learning lacked tests or quizzes. Students had opportunities for hands-on practical experience in the field practicum sites. Graduate nurses were found to have acquired the skills for vaccinating children. However, some pre-service training institutions lacked functional skills labs for practical learning of students. In addition, students did not receive up-to-date information on EPI program, and lacked knowledge and skills on monitoring and documentation of EPI coverage during preservice training. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>It appears that the EPI pre-service training strengthening initiatives facilitated competency-based EPI training of nurses in Kenya. However, preservice training institutions still have scope for improvement in the skills lab, hand-washing practice, providing up-to-date information, and training students on coverage monitoring and documentation.
%K Pre-Service Training
%K Graduate Nurses
%K Immunization
%K Competency
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=94800