Effectiveness and efficiency of leadership, management, and governance trainings in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives Leadership, management, and governance (LMG) trainings are implemented to capacitate managers and clinical healthcare providers in several countries. However, there is no evidence gathered on effectiveness and efficiency of LMG trainings in low-income countries. Hence, this study aims to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of basic LMG trainings implemented in Ethiopia. Results In the study, the results training evaluations of 293 health workers with a 100.0% response rate is presented. In addition, data on 136 leadership project achievements and financial documents are reviewed. The mean pretest score with SD was 44.97% ± 15.50%, and the post-test score was 78.11% ± 14.22%, which showed a significant gains in knowledge at post-test with t=-35.99, df = 292, p < 0.001. The average net health service coverage gain by each entity was 16.55% (95% CI: 12.26%, 20.84%). The majority of LMG trainings were found to be effective in imparting knowledge and skills for staff to lead, manage and govern primary health entities. Moreover, the trainings were efficient in regards to time, communication, and resources utilized during the sessions. The trainings had a synergetic effect in strengthening health system components in the low-income country of Ethiopia.