Annual Report

4. Research Programme
In 2015, we consolidated numerous research and evaluation studies and also developed new ideas,
collaborations, and proposals for future studies.
There is a growing footprint of our research work as our outputs and publications reach wider target
audiences, increasing the number of citations and articles that emanate from our work.
4.1 Activities and outputs
Endpoint assessment of Skills2Care
In 2014, we designed Skills2Care, a staff support programme which provides a format for regular monthly
meetings for care providers. The aim is to ensure on-going, peer-driven, integrated learning and support. In
collaboration with The Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Project in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, we
piloted this programme over the course of the year.
Evaluation design included a baseline, midway, and endpoint assessment of participants to examine the
changes in the burnout, problem solving and counselling skills among participating community health
workers. We administered the evaluation questionnaires at the end of 2015 and are currently collating the
data for final analysis.
While the Skills2Care pilot has taken about a year to complete, during this time we have been actively
fine-tuning the intervention, based on lessons already learnt and consultations with a range of stakeholders.
The name has now changed to Nyamekela4Care. (see Teaching & Training Programme)
PMHP Annual Report 2015
Page 21