Effectiveness and efficiency of indigenous health aides in a pediatric outpatient department

Abstract

The effectiveness of indigenous health aides in providing health care supervision and coordination for indigent families was assessed and compared with that of public health nurses. From this study, it appears that the ability to speak the colloquial language appeared to be no advantage in improving the compliance rate of or communication with disadvantaged families. Professional insights, sophistication, and skills, if delivered with empathy, remain important assets for effective functioning in the psychosocial area.