ABSTRACT
This study examines the effectiveness of self-management training with emphasis on trainer traits. Twenty-two community health workers (CHWs) participated in a two week-long self-management training program. Twenty were interviewed a week later to examine their perceptions of the training and the trainer. Participants expressed satisfaction with the training and highlighted four themes around how trainers must play a transformational role grounded in cultural humility: intentional relationship building, commitment to ongoing learning and transfer of knowledge, participatory engagement, and empowerment. CHW self-management trainers who are culturally attuned with participants’ backgrounds stand a better chance of conducting training that is sensitive to the needs of CHWs and their clients.
Acknowledgments
The authors are indebted to community health workers for their support in participating in the study and sharing their thoughts and experiences about the self-management training. They also greatly value the support of administrators at the two community organizations working with CHWs in South Africa for coordinating meetings with community health workers.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).