The effectiveness of recruitment and selection process in strengthening the community Health Worker's Programme: The case study of Sedibeng District Municipality

Abstract

This study primarily examines the processes for recruitment and selection of Community Health Workers (CHWs). The study area is within the Sedibeng District Municipality, which is situated in the Gauteng Province. The purpose of this research is to identify factors influencing the recruitment and selection procedures used to strengthen the CHW program at the SDM Department of Health. CHWs are characterized as non-professional healthcare workers who obtain training to carry out healthcare tasks. Their responsibilities include facilitating connections between communities and healthcare systems, including healthcare education, providing home services and aiding with healthcare navigation, patient support, illness prevention, and advocating for community needs. The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the efficacy of the recruitment and selection processes in order to enhance the CHW Program within the SDM. In order to achieve this, the research offered a theoretical justification of the concept of recruitment and selection process with reference to CHW's in the health sector, it also provided the particular recruitment requirements for the CHW programme and assessed the district's setting and strategies for creating an effective CHW programme. In order to achieve its objectives, the research employed a mixed method design with an exploratory sequential design, in which the qualitative phase of data collecting and analysis follows the quantitative phase. At the time of the research, the district consisted of 741 CHWs around 30 clinics in SDM. Aiming for 254 respondents across 20 clinics, the stratified random sample survey received favorable feedback as 257 respondents took part. The study also consisted of two (2) key informants through the use of purposive sampling. The hypothesis was tested as the study discovered that efficient recruitment and selection drive a well-organized CHW program. The CHW programme is designed to be sustainable and encourage retention through the use of programme planning, ongoing training, and CHW supervision and support and structures.The Resource Based Theory, Equity Theory, and Human Capital Theory served as the theoretical foundation for this study. The outcomes were assessed, along with the applicability of the aforementioned theories. The researcher suggested a framework for recruitment and selection based on results of the study as well as existing literature on both local and international level. The framework included six essential aspects that will further enhance the CHW programme and improve the recruiting and selection process. The study added to the body of knowledge by suggesting a framework for an efficient recruiting and selection procedure.