An evaluation of the effectiveness of a clinic base HIV/AIDS counselling course on trainee functioning at their work sites

Abstract

The Western Cape AIDS Training, Information and Counselling Centre (ATICC) primarily focuses on the development and provision of information and different types of training programmes on HIV/AIDS/STls. The Director of the Health Service of the Cape Metropolitan Council was invited by ATICC to select seven health educators and nurses who were involved in health education and counselling in their local clinics to complete a six-month training course. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ATIC:C training course on the counselling practice of trainees at their respective clinics. An architral study was conducted utilising existing data collected by the researcher during the period of the training course from August 1998 to January 1999. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using evaluation forms and focus group discussions. This was collected during and after the completion of the training course. The results generally showed improved changes in the trainees' knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS. Trainees attributed title improvement in their counselling skills to the theoretical and practical training they received at ATICC. They were able to apply these skills within their work setting. Trainees highlighted that the training course also equipped them with improved listening and communication skills, which allowed them to feel confident about the counselling they were offering. Implication of these findings for future lay counsellor training by ATICC and other similar organisations are discussed