The Knowledge library

Workforce Effectiveness

Determining Priority Retention Packages to Attract and Retain Health Workers in Rural and Remote Areas in Uganda

In Uganda, attracting and retaining health workers in rural and underserved areas has proven difficult. Positions staffed by the Ministry of Health in many of these areas remain 50% vacant. The Ministry of Health is committed to pursuing a package of strategies to make rural postings more attractive. One important step in determining which package of strategies will be most effective is to estimate which strategies health workers themselves most prefer. To this end, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with CapacityPlus, conducted a discrete choice experiment survey among current students in health training programs as well as health workers practicing in rural districts to investigate preferences for potential attraction and retention strategies. The results constitute an important input to the policy-making process related to the identification, costing, and selection of possible retention interventions for implementation. Read more »

Partnering to Keep Health Workers in the Communities That Need Them

Carmen Dolea of the World Health Organization talks about the challenge of retaining health workers in rural areas, and how CapacityPlus is helping to apply the WHO's new retention recommendations. Also available in French.

Retaining Hospital Workers: A Rapid Methodology to Determine Incentive Packages

The International Hospital Federation’s quarterly journal World Hospitals and Health Services published a CapacityPlus article, “Retaining hospital workers: A rapid methodology to determine incentive packages” (begins on page 8). The article describes CapacityPlus’s work on an innovative retention survey tool that can be used to help keep health workers in the facilities where they are needed, and increase access to health care.

Satisfaction, Motivation, and Intent to Stay among Ugandan Physicians: A Survey from 18 National Hospitals

The International Journal of Health Planning and Management published a study conducted by the Capacity Project, the predecessor to CapacityPlus. “Satisfaction, motivation, and intent to stay among Ugandan physicians: a survey from 18 national hospitals” found that nearly half of the doctors were so dissatisfied that they would consider leaving the health sector or the country. The report concludes that policy-makers should consider interventions to remedy the quality of management, availability of equipment and supplies, facility infrastructure, workload, and professional development, which are reported as major sources of dissatisfaction.

Strengthening the Uganda Nurses' and Midwives' Association for a Motivated Workforce

International Nursing Review published a study conducted by the Capacity Project, the predecessor to CapacityPlus. “Strengthening the Uganda nurses’ and midwives’ association for a motivated workforce” presents results from a survey of nurses that was designed to develop policy recommendations for strengthening the association and improving nurse retention. The study concludes that in order to improve motivation and quality of care, investments should be channeled through professional associations that can provide tangible support for nurses such as professional development, mentoring, and networking.

Sharing Best Practices through Online Communities of Practice: A Case Study

Human Resources for Health published an article, “Sharing best practices through online communities of practice: A case study.” The study focuses on the effectiveness of the Global Alliance for Pre-Service Education’s online forums, which were launched under the Capacity Project, the predecessor to CapacityPlus.

Health Worker Retention and Performance Initiatives: Making Better Strategic Choices

Proposes a shared approach to retention and performance improvement based on existing motivation theories and experience in the international health field.

Supporting Health Worker Performance with Effective Supervision

Shares the Capacity Project's performance support intervention model, analyzes the variations in results and includes recommendations for implementing and scaling up interventions.