Integrated AIDS management concept transfer. A two year review of programme design through field based technical assistance.
Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:131 (abstract no. WS-D28-1) Campbell ID, Rader AD, Bodwell S, Malama-Kean M; Salvation Army International Headquarters, London, UK.
INTRODUCTION/PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: As the rate of virus transmission outstrips capacity for field programme response, it is becoming increasingly important to define tools for catalysing new, effective field programme responses. Field based technical assistance may be one answer that is cost effective. This has been tried by The Salvation Army as one expression of a global commitment to practical responses with outcomes of decreased virus transmission, increased quality of life, and increased community capacity to cope and change. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES: 1. Key concerns that are significant to effective programme design, have been explored in eight locations (Brazil [Rio de Janeiro], Nigeria, India [Mizoram], The Congo, Zimbabwe, The Phillipines, India [Nageroil] and Sri Lanka). These concepts originally defined at Chikankata Hospital in Zambia, include the relationship of care to prevention, and community influence on behaviour change. 2. Concept transfer has been implemented by a technical assistance team that has worked intensively with field teams. Each programme design has been a consultative process that analyses the major concepts, and applies them locally in an appropriate cultural and community context through specific preparation steps, a programme design visit, and follow up. 3. Requirements for support, monitoring and evaluation in the first three years of each programme have been explored.
RESULTS: 1. Eight field programmes in different countries have been developed. Each has common characteristics with the other. Each is different. 2. Programme implementers have reflected on the impact of technical assistance on the programme design with specific reference to understanding of concepts and the way they were transferred. 3. The indicators of concept transfer have been derived by consultation between field programmes, and the technical assistance team members, and with organizations outside The Salvation Army that have observed the process. Markers are concept definition, field programme development and effectiveness of technical assistance. LESSONS LEARNED: 1. Concepts can be transferred and can catalyse programme development at field level rapidly. 2 Technical assistance is an important tool for concept transfer. It needs to be culturally appropriate. It should not make the programme dependent on external sources. 3. Indicators for concept transfer are found by reference to concept definition at field level, and the field programmes developed, and the work of technical assistance in terms of preparation, programme design activity and follow up.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Program Evaluation, Health Personnel, Program Development, Time, India, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Congo, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brazil, ICA9 930606
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