First ever IMCI distance learning course using ICATT started in Central Java, Indonesia. The two month IMCI distance learning course using ICATT started at the end of June in Boyolali and Banyumas districts, Central Java, Indonesia. Twenty participants from 10 health centres from each district participate in the course. Indonesian adaptation and translation of ICATT is used in the course.
The course was preceded by a two day training (17-18 June) of experienced IMCI facilitators from Medical Faculty of Gaja Mada University (UGM), who then conducted a three day training of district tutors (22-24 June). The district tutors have all been trained in IMCI and use it but they have not yet been trained in IMCI courses facilitation.
The course consists of 3 face to face tutor-participant encounters for 1 day and two self-learning periods in between. The first tutor-participant encounters were conducted at the district level on 27 and 29 June. In Banyumas, the second encounter will be also at district level. In Boyolali, the tutors will conduct the second encounter in three of the participant’s health centres, to which the participants of the neighbouring centres will come. The third tutor-participant encounter will be at the district level in both districts. In each district, the tutor –participant encounters will be conducted by 6 district tutors and supervised, monitored and documented by 4 UGM tutors and Ministry of Health Office in Central Java staff. Two tutors in each district will be assigned to communicate with the participants during the self-learning periods. The tutors will contact participants by phone or e-mail once a week to enquire about the work progress. The participants will be also encouraged to contact the tutor if they have any problem. The tutors will communicate with the UGM team as needed.