Training and Retention of Community Doctors in Rural Mali
Author Information
Author(s): Van Dormael Monique, Dugas Sylvie, Kone Yacouba, Coulibaly Seydou, Sy Mansour, Marchal Bruno, Desplats Dominique
Primary Institution: Institute of Tropical Medicine, Public Health Department
Hypothesis
Appropriate training would strengthen young doctors' competence and self-confidence, and consequently contribute to retention.
Conclusion
Training increasing self confidence and self esteem of rural practitioners may contribute to retention of skilled professionals in rural areas.
Supporting Evidence
- 55 out of the 65 trained doctors (85%) were still engaged in rural practice by the end of 2007.
- Participants viewed the training as crucial to face technical and social problems related to rural practice.
- Discussions with senior rural doctors contributed to socialisation to novel professional roles.
Takeaway
Doctors in rural areas of Mali can stay in their jobs longer if they get the right training and support.
Methodology
Data were collected through participant observation, group discussions, satisfaction questionnaires, a monitoring tool of learning progress, and follow up visits.
Limitations
Baseline data of retention of rural doctors prior to the introduction of the programme could not be retrieved.
Participant Demographics
Participants were newly installed rural doctors in Mali.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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