IT for monitoring and evaluating healthcare training in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Background: Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is pivotal for improving the effectiveness and relevance of in-service training programmes for healthcare providers, especially in African and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While information technology (IT) tools are increasingly being used to monitor and evaluate these programmes, empirical research on their application is limited.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to critically examine and highlight the role of IT in M&E for in-service training programmes for healthcare providers in African and other LMICs.

Method: A systematic approach was undertaken, integrating information systems (IS) and evidence-based guidelines to evaluate IT tools used in M&E of in-service programmes. Studies published in English from 2014 onwards were reviewed.

Results: The review identified 28 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Most studies – 17 out of the 28 articles (61%) – originated from Africa, 10 (36%) from Asia, and 1 (4%) from Oceania. A significant proportion of the studies – 23 out of 28 articles (82%) – reported using desktop-based software primarily for data collection, cleaning, analysis and storage.

Conclusion: The findings indicated that the increasing use of IT in the M&E of in-service training programmes for healthcare providers in LMICs holds considerable promise for improving data management and facilitating more informed decision-making to enhance healthcare delivery.

Contribution: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first systematic review conducted to explore the use of IT tools for monitoring and evaluating in-service training programmes for healthcare providers across various health sectors in LMICs.