Abstract

Background: This study identified the effects of capacity building programs on Vietnamese nurses’ knowledge, and attitude related to basic-trauma and maternal-child nursing.

Methods: The participants were 31 Vietnamese nurse managers in training of trainer program and 320 general nurses from seven hospitals in dissemination education. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and chi-squared tests on pre- and post-survey data to assess the change in knowledge, and attitude on two categories of core nursing skills in basic-trauma and maternal-child nursing skills.

Results: There were some differences on the participants’ perception of the need for training based on their duration of work experience. Nurse-managers who had been working for more than 10 years reported a greater need for further training than those who had been working for fewer than 10 years. The pre and post scores for knowledge were increased in both training of trainer program and dissemination program, however there was no significant difference statistically. On attitude, most respondents indicated they believed they had the proper knowledge and skills, but they indicated that their nurses remained in an unskilled state after training of trainer program and dissemination program.

Conclusion: There have been multiple training programs implemented for capacity building of healthcare personnels in developing countries. However, it would be more important to motivate their attitude for continuing learning by judge themselves and their peer groups. Even though some minor change on their judgment objectively, it can be explained participants’ critical thinking for sustainable development. In this study, the Vietnamese nurses’ attitude toward judging their peers showed a significant increase statistically.