Strengthening the integrated reproductive health training system for primary level providers of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

This paper reports the results of a 2-year pilot project developed by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) Reproductive Health Coordination Unit. The purpose of the project is to strengthen the IMSS provider training system and improve the quality of reproductive health (RH) services provided at the primary care level. The IMSS/PRIME project designed and developed a training model which includes a training support manual in integrated RH and three workshops and corresponding curricula that emphasize the principles of participatory adult education. An assessment of the project completed in May 1999 illustrates that the PRIME training model has increased training capacity within the IMSS to use a participatory client-centered training methodology and has improved the quality of training and educational activities at the primary care level. Furthermore the project has formed 4 training networks of approximately 24 members each in 3 Mexican states: Puebla Tlaxcala and Guanajuato. The training networks are multidisciplinary and multi-level both of which are new to IMSS training. The networks include family physicians nurses and social workers. An interview with project participants indicates a sense of professional and personal empowerment. It also provides anecdotal evidence of improved quality of care at the primary level and increased client satisfaction.