Evaluation of training competency of health care workers in training clients and patients

Examining the training competency of the health care workers in training their clients and patients can lead to identification of the training problems, improving training qualities, and promoting the health of society as a whole. The current study which was conducted in the city of Mashhad aimed to determine the training competency of the urban health care workers in training the clients referring to these centers. In this cross sectional-descriptive study, 250 health care workers at Mashhad s’ urban health care centers were enrolled in the study using probability sampling. Data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts; demographic data and training competency status. Data were analyzed using SPSSv.16 software and descriptive statistical tests (Frequency and cumulative frequency) and analytical tests (Spearman, correlative tests, Independent t-test, one way variance analysis). Significant level of difference was considered for measuring difference between demographic and training competency (P<0.05). The results of the study indicated that the training competency of 159 workers (5.63%) in health care centers were good and acceptable, and there was a significant difference between training competency of workers and individual differences such as work experience, age, educational degree, employment status, and job satisfaction of health workers. There were also significant differences between courses taken by the health workers to promote their educational level and educational workshops based on promoting educational skills and training competency (P<0.05). Although the training competency of health workers were very good, competency in areas such as training skills, development, performance, and professional responsibility were not satisfactory. Results of the current study provided appropriate data about training competency of the workers for managers of health care centers. Since the status of training competency of the workers can be assessed by managers and clients, it is suggested that for gaining more comprehensive information, training competency of the health workers be examined from the managers and clients point of view.