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ZambiaMalaria Indicator Survey 2010

“What to do”

of the MIS Supervisor

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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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Reducing Non Response

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Type 1—The interviewer is unable to locate the selected household

Occupied structure inaccessible. Structure not found. Structure non-residential, vacant, or

demolished.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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