Rapid-cycle evaluation and learning for the effective delivery of integrated interventions in early childhood in rural India

Frontiers in Public Health

Public Health

Roshan Umate¹  Shital Telrandhe¹  Abhay Gaidhane²  Sonali G. Choudhari³  Zahiruddin Quazi Syed⁴  Shilpa Gaidhane⁵  Mahalaqua Nazli Khatib⁶  Aniket Pathade⁷  Penny A. Holding⁸  Manoj Patil⁹ 

[1] Centre of Early Childhood Development – Stepping Stones Project, Department of Research and Development, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;Centre of One Health, Department of Community Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Faculty, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network (SAIFRN), Wardha, India;Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, Division of Evidence Synthesis, Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;NewGen IEDC, Department of Research and Development, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;i-Health Consortium, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India;

关键词: rapid-cycle;    child development;    self-reflection;    intervention delivery;    integrated program;    monitoring and evaluation;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2023.1013005

 received in 2022-08-06, accepted in 2023-01-02,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundEffective and real-time data analytics plays an essential role in understanding gaps and improving the quality and coverage of complex public health interventions. Studies of public health information systems identify problems with data quality, such as incomplete records and untimely reporting. Effective data collection and real-time analysis systems for rapid-cycle learning are necessary to monitor public health programs and take timely evidence-based decisions. Early childhood development (ECD) programs are very diverse. Rapid-cycle evaluation and learning (REAL) guides the implementation process of such complex interventions in real time. Stepping stones was one such early childhood development program implemented in Central India.ObjectiveThe objective was to improve the delivery of complex, integrated public health interventions for early childhood development in remote areas of rural India.MethodologyThe program was developed according to the principles of inclusion and community-centeredness, which can be tested quickly and iteratively. To enhance the decision-making process and improve delivery and coverage, the core team implemented an information system for rapid-cycle learning. We developed performance indicators and a performance measurement matrix after defining the specific needs. Following that, we trained staff to collect complete data using electronic data collection tools and transfer it the same day to the server for quality review and further analysis. A variety of data/information was triangulated to address the gaps in intervention delivery, and those decisions were subsequently implemented.ResultsWe observed that the quality of data collection improved, and errors were reduced by 50% in the third quarter. The quality of the narrative was also enhanced; it became more elaborate and reflective. Sharing their field output in meetings and improving the quality of the narrative enhanced the self-reflection skills of field staff and consequently improved the quality of the intervention delivery. Refresher training and mentoring by supervisors helped to improve the data quality over time.ConclusionRapid-cycle evaluation and learning (REAL) can be implemented in resource-limited settings to improve the quality and coverage of integrated intervention in early childhood. It nurtures a reinforcing ecosystem that integrates providers, community, and family perspectives and guides interactions among stakeholders by integrating data from all available sources.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Gaidhane, Telrandhe, Patil, Holding, Khatib, Gaidhane, Quazi Syed, Choudhari, Umate and Pathade.