Training need analysis of the nurses working in the RDHS division Jaffna: development of a new method

Abstract

Trainings for the nurses working in the Regional Directorate of Health Services, Jaffna wasn’t conducted based on their needs as existing system to assess the needs produced no output. The objective of the study was to develop a new tool to gather and analyse the training needs of the nurses.First stage of the project identified the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system in gathering and analysing the training needs. A new tool was developed by modifying Hennessey and Hicks training need analysis questionnaire and tested on nurses in the second stage. In the final stage, a training session was organised, based on the findings of the new tool, and effectiveness of this tool was assessed.Appraisal system and availability of funds were identified as the major strengths while inadequate training sessions and difficulty in analysing training needs were highlighted as weaknesses of the existing system.Response rate for testing the new tool was 71.8%. Training needs existed in all five superordinate categories and varied between socio demographic and service related categories of nurses.Nurses who were least experienced, belonged to grade 111 and working in critical units had highest need for training in all five superordinate categories.The new tool was found to be significantly more satisfactory (t =13.780, df =31, p<0.001), and effective compared to the existing method.In conclusion introducing the new tool to the existing appraisal system could enable gathering and analysing the training needs of the nurses effectively.