Development of village health volunteers to be a chronic disease manager in the community by using participatory learning process

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to give an approach guideline for the development of village health volunteers (VHVs) to become a chronic disease manager in the community. The 4-step participatory learning process  (PLP)  was applied including 1) experience sharing 2) reflection and discussion 3) conceptualization 4) experimentation/application. Participatory learning process is a form of adult learning. It encouraged VHVs to learn and interact with others through direct and indirect manners by learning from previous experiences and sharing opinions among VHVs, patients and community. Moreover, in organizing the activities of 4-step participatory learning, all activities must be set up in series in order to promote VHSs knowledge, attitude, practice skills as well as the application in various situations. Participatory learning process is an important addition on the past experiences of VHVs as a health care provider and draws those experiences to form a new role of a chronic disease manager in the community.