1 Zambia Malaria Indicator Survey 2010 “What to do” of the MIS Supervisor
Dec 31, 2015
1
ZambiaMalaria Indicator Survey 2010
“What to do”
of the MIS Supervisor
2
IntroductionField supervisors for the MIS have an important
position. They are the primary links between the coordinator
of field operations and the interviewers. As such, they are responsible for ensuring both the quality and progress of fieldwork.
Thus you must be fully acquainted with the questionnaire
3
MIS ObjectivesZambia Malaria Indicator Survey objectives:a) To collect up-to-date information on Coverage of Core
interventions in National Malaria Strategic Plan to guide planning and implementation.
b) Assess malaria parasite prevalence according to the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group (MERG) recommendations, and in accordance with national recommendations.
c) Assess the status of (severe) anaemia among the target populations (children 6-36 months) according to the RBM MERG recommendations;
d) Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health and local partners in implementation of malaria surveys.
4
A few Questions though …Who is conducting this survey?Who are you in this survey?You are professionals and you are part of this
survey because you can adequately represent the MOH in this work.
In which age group are we measuring parasite prevalence?
In which age groups are we measuring anaemia?From who are we going to take blood for all the
blood tests?
5
Responsibilities of the Field Supervisor (1) He/she is responsible for the well-being
and safety of team members, as well as the completion of the assigned workload and the maintenance of data quality.
Receiving his/her assignments from and reports to the coordinators.
6
Responsibilities of the Field Supervisor (2)
The specific responsibilities of the supervisor are:
Making the necessary preparations for the fieldwork
Organizing and directing the fieldwork. Monitoring interviewer performance with
the aim of improving and maintaining the quality of the data collected.
Closely supervising interviewers.
7
Important!Because the collection of high-quality data is
crucial to the success of the survey, it is important that supervisors are mature, responsible women/men who execute their duties with care and precision. This is especially important during the initial phases of fieldwork, when it is possible to eliminate interviewer error patterns before they become habits.
8
To prepare for fieldworkThe field supervisor must:Obtain sample household lists and/or maps for
each area in which his/her team will be working. Become familiar with the area where the team will
be working and determine the best arrangements for travel and accommodations.
Contact local authorities to inform them about the survey and gain their support and cooperation.
Obtain all monetary advances, supplies, and equipment necessary for the team to complete its assigned interviews.
9
During the fieldworkThe supervisor will:Assign work to interviewers, taking into account
the linguistic competence of individual interviewers and ensuring that there is an equitable distribution of the workload.
Make sure that assignments are carried out.Regularly (daily) keep headquarters informed of
the team’s location.Communicate any problems to the coordinator.
10
During field work (2)Arrange for lodging and food for the team.Make an effort to develop a positive team
spirit. A congenial work atmosphere, along with careful planning of field activities, contributes to the overall quality of the survey.
Take charge of the team vehicle, ensuring that it is kept in good repair and that it is used only for project work.
11
Monitoring interviewer performance
requires that the supervisor Observe at least one interview every day [and at
least one anaemia test].Edit all completed questionnaires in the field;
editing must be completed before leaving the sample area.
Conduct regular spotcheck re-interviews.Conduct regular review sessions with each
interviewer and advise them of any problems.Put completed questionnaires from a sample area
in order and pack them up to be sent to the central office.
12
Preparing for field workCollecting Materials for FieldworkArranging Transportation and
Accommodations Contacting Local Authorities Contacting the Central Office Using Maps to Locate Clusters Finding Selected Households
13
Organising and Supervising Field Work
The following tips may be helpful to the supervisor in assigning work:
Make daily work assignments. Assign more interviews than an interviewer
can actually do in one day.Distribute work fairly among the
interviewers. Ensure that each interviewer has all the
required information and materials for completing the work assignment.
14
Organising and Supervising Field Work
Maintain complete records each day. Make sure that all selected households and
eligible women for that cluster have been interviewed before leaving an area.
It is the responsibility of the supervisor to make sure that the interviewers fully understand the instructions given to them and that they adhere to the work schedule.
15
Reducing Non Response
16
Type 1—The interviewer is unable to locate the selected household
Occupied structure inaccessible. Structure not found. Structure non-residential, vacant, or
demolished.
17
Type 2—The interviewer is unable to locate the woman eligible for
the individual interview No one home at time of call. Respondent temporarily absent.
18
Type 3—The respondent refuses to be interviewed
Suggestions for handling potential refusals include the following:
Approach respondent from her point of view
Postpone interview to another dayCarry out the interview yourself
19
Maintaining Motivation and Morale Creating and maintaining motivation and
morale among the interviewersUnderstand clearly what is expected of
themAre properly guided and supervised in their
workReceive recognition for good workAre stimulated to improve their workWork in tranquil and secure conditions
20
A Few PrinciplesRather than giving direct orders, try to gain voluntary
compliance before demanding it.Without losing a sense of authority, try to involve the
interviewers in decision-making, and at the same time, see to it that the decision remains firm.
When pointing out an error, do it with tact, in a friendly manner, and in private.
When interviewers voice complaints, listen with patience and try to resolve them.
Try to foster team spirit and group work. Under no circumstances show preference for one or
another of the interviewers. Try to develop a friendly and informal atmosphere
21
Observations and Organising Completed Work – Which of these Apply?
Observing Interviews Evaluating Interviewer PerformanceRe-interviewsEditing QuestionnairesOrganizing Questionnaires for Return to
the OfficeForwarding Questionnaires to the Head
Office