Human Resources for Health in Maternal, Neonatal and - HRH ...

evaluating and adjusting the size and mix of teams using empirically determined community
demand and performance variables based on the area‘s socio-economic characteristics is
feasible (Hurst 2006). Two tools were located which may be adapted for developing settings.
Table 14 Tools for workforce planning in MNRH at the community level
Tool Focus Reference
Birthrate Plus Midwifery at community level (Ball 1996)
Maternity Workforce Midwifery in developed context included
community, contains workforce planning
checklists, together with case studies &
FAQs
(NHS 2007)
Birthrate plus is a method of workforce planning developed specifically for midwifery
services. The book includes data and experience gained from working in different health
authorities with varying patterns of midwifery care. It provides a hands-on practical guide to
workforce planning for midwifery services in both hospital and community settings. The
NHS Maternity Workforce resource pack includes examples of good practice and the contact
details of teams working in maternity services in the UK.
Selection and recruitment
There is much discussion concerning the selection and recruitment of staff at community
level from the actual communities that they will serve. Recruiting staff from the areas where
they are posted and work may improve retention and possibly effectiveness (IntraHealth
2008). This also provides a strong link to communities which is important for the
empowerment of the community as well as the health worker (Chaya 2007). Local
recruitment helps to address issues of socio-cultural appropriateness including language and
gender ensuring equitable access to care and services. In Bolivia for example local women
were more likely to speak with female family planning staff than men suggesting that a
female providers may be more appropriate in this context (Velasco 1997). Youth female peer
health educators in Thailand were found to provide socially legitimate ways of discussing
HIV and safe sex (Cash 1997). Socio-cultural representativeness was regarded as an
important component of successful pre natal peer heath education programmes (Warrick,
Wood et al. 1992). Training locals also helps to ensure that programmes are links to specific
motivators for health behaviours that can facilitate role modelling and appropriate actions.
This is a well used strategy in India where for example adolescent girls have been trained to
mobilise the community to use health services (Government of India 2004).
According to Playford et al. prior rural background is a significant predictor of rural work.
Rural practitioners of both urban and rural origin who undertake voluntary rural placements
are more likely to enter rural practice and consequently mandatory placements may not be
P a g e | 80