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Table 2 Themes and sub-themes from focus group discussions (FGDs) with facilitators and maternal and newborn health groups (MNHGs)

From: Lessons learned from stakeholders in a facilitation intervention targeting neonatal health in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam

 

Themes and sub-themes from FGD with facilitators

Themes and sub-themes from FGDs with MNHGs

Barriers

Money

Lack of money – a challenge for implementing a project successfully

A rare project without money

• Reimbursing all a necessity

• Salaries are needed, especially for low paid group members

• Money a part of project culture in

• A lack of resources to include all

• Funds are necessary for running a project

• Managing without money

Support / Obstacles MNHGs

Support – an imperfect necessity

 

• Facilitator training did not fit recipients needs

• Facilitators are supported by supervision if appropriately provided

• Lack of proper top-down support reduces the good spirit

 

Obstacles for MNHGs to fully function

• Barriers to reach population and for population to reach health care

• NeoKIP unknown to people

• The MNHG did not function fully

• MNHG members lacking knowledge

• Organisations’ support needed for MNHGs

Process

The facilitators

Being the facilitator is challenging, complex and requires versatility

The Facilitator – a new yet aporetic role

• Performance and skills increase over time

• The facilitator involves in meetings and activities in an enthusiastic way

• Being a successful facilitator requires various skills and commitment

• The facilitator should be local and not change frequently

• Lacking medical knowledge – an aggravating factor

• The facilitator - a person with surprising lack of clinical knowledge

• Lacking confidence in the ability to function as facilitator

• The facilitator, an unnecessary person that neither provides nor receives support of importance

• Adapting to local culture is key

• A good relationship between facilitator and MNHG, particularly the chair, facilitates a project

The MNHGs

Facilitating a diverse group with conservative and hierarchical characteristics

Meet regularly, identify problems and choose communication strategies

• Joining several organisations in collaboration

• Regular meetings involving all, with chair as a decision maker

• Facing negative attitudes and actions

• Targeting pregnant women first then newborns

• Chairs’ behaviour influence group behaviour

• Communication – a universal solution for most targeted problems

• Engagement and enthusiasm increased over time

Impact

 

Nothing new and time-consuming, yet positive outcomes

• Nothing provided but words

• Not new, but time-consuming

• Increasing focus, knowledge and skills through collaborative group

• Increased awareness and use of health care among population