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Table. 4 Consequences of standardized and tailored approaches to CHW programming

From: Community health workers at the dawn of a new era: 1. Introduction: tensions confronting large-scale CHW programmes

Standardized

Tailored

Simple, neat, comprehensible

Easy to monitor and report on

Fits a top-down, technocratic mindset

Easy for planners

There may be more consistency on important technical aspects

Less likely to be appropriately responsive to the situation on the ground

Empowers local managers/decision-makers

Likely to be a better fit with actual needs

More scope to adapt to context based on observed performance and changing circumstances

Fits with devolved, decentralized systems for governing CHW programmes [20]

Uncomfortable for global- and national-level planners, policy-makers, donors