IMCI in-service training: Module 3

Overview

The set of seven training modules describe in details IMCI case management guidelines, include written exercises and provide necessary forms and instructions for group discussions, video demonstrations, and role plays.

The set is used in the generic 11 day course that combines classroom work with hands-on clinical experience. Under the guidance of course facilitators and a skilled clinical instructor, participants work in small groups (6-8 participants with 2 facilitators in a group). Each participant attends 10 clinical sessions, seeing 30 to 50 sick children in an outpatient clinic or inpatient ward. Clinical sessions allow participants to practise assessment, classification, treatment and counselling skills using the IMCI case management guidelines. Several clinical sessions, and practice with hospitalized children presenting signs of severe disease, help participants to learn the accurate assessment of all clinical signs covered by the course, including even the uncommon signs, which indicate a need for urgent referral.

The guidelines for facilitation of classroom work contain instructions on working with the set of seven training modules, including written exercises, individual feedback, group discussions, drills, presentations, demonstrations, short answer exercises, and role plays. Several exercises cover the identification of clinical signs using a booklet of photographs and a video, which demonstrates the assessment of sick children and presents several case studies.

The case management course materials need adaptation according to the national IMCI guidelines. The IMCI Adaptation Guide is provided for adapting these training materials to the country context.