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Table 3 ICAMO configurations

From: The role of provincial health administration in supporting district health management teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo: eliciting an initial programme theory of a realist evaluation

Intervention

Context

Actors

Mechanisms

Outcomes

At the PHA level

 1. Adequate training of PHA staff

Supportive leadership (good work climate and promotion of positive values)

Availability of adequate resources

PHA staff

Self-efficacy – motivation

Improved competencies of PHA staff

 2. Regular meetings for technical support visits

Supportive leadership

Safe conversational space

Less hierarchical management culture

PHA staff

Psychological safety

Reflexivity

Improved competencies through individual and collective learning

At the interface between PHA staff and DHMT members

 3. Needs-driven or personalised support

Enabling learning environment (judgement-free, fault-accepting, non-threatening and less hierarchical)

Optimal integration of vertical programmes

DHMT members

Positive perceived support’s relevance

Improved competences through active participation

 4. Problem-solving – centred support

Enabling learning environment (judgement-free, fault-accepting, non-threatening and less hierarchical)

Competent PHA staff (good management, facilitation and relational skills)

DHMT members

Positive perceived credibility of PHA staff

Trust in PHA staff

Improved competences through active participation

 5. Reflection – stimulating support

Enabling learning environment (judgement-free, fault-accepting, non-threatening and less hierarchical)

Competent PHA staff (good management, facilitation and relational skills)

DHMT members

Psychological safety

Reflexivity

Improved competences through individual and collective learning

At the district level

 6. Good management practices at district level

Supportive leadership, optimal decision space, supportive work conditions, availability of resources and absence of negative political influences

DHMT members

Self-efficacy—perceived autonomy

Improved performance of health districts