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Improving Provider-Client Communication: Reinforcing IPC/C Training in Indonesia with Self-Assessment and Peer Review

This study tested two low-cost alternatives to supervision-self-assessment and peer review-that may reinforce providers' skills after training, in this case training in interpersonal communication and counseling (IPC/C). There were three study groups: the control group received no reinforcement after training, a "self-assessment" (SA) group performed SA exercises for 16 weeks after training, and a SA and peer review group also performed SA exercises for 16 weeks and met in small groups to peer review and guide each other in their efforts to improve their IPC/C skills. These reinforcement strategies taught providers how to work more efficiently so that they could shorten consultations yet provide high quality interactions with clients. An analysis of the cost-effectiveness of each intervention is included.