Publication Date
1-1-2023
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To overcome vast variations in Community Health Worker (CHW) training, investigators for the CHW Core Consensus Project (CCCP) derived three types of CHW (Category 1, 2, 3) and established competencies for each category. However, studies are needed that implement these competencies in real-world settings.
OBJECTIVE: Using the six competency domains of the CCCP as a theoretical backbone, we developed and evaluated a training for
METHODS: We developed five telehealth-based, bilingual (Spanish/English) training sessions and implemented them among
RESULTS: All (18/18) CHWs achieved at least 70% on the posttest (mean: 93.7%; range 73.3-100%). Training attendance was 98.9%. Using a six-point scale, CHWs reported high levels of satisfaction overall (5.72 ± 0.57/6.0), with telehealth (5.72 ± 0.58/6.0), effectiveness of teaching strategies/methods (5.89 ± 0.32/6.0), achieving training objectives (5.96 ± 0.15/6.0), knowledge improvement (5.72 ± 0.57/6.0), and interest (5.78 ± 0.43/6.0).
CONCLUSION: We successfully developed and evaluated a bilingual training program for Category 1 CHWs to address core competency gaps. High CHW attendance reinforces the value of telehealth modalities and their potential to increase the reach for CHW training. To overcome gaps in chronic disease training, investigations are needed to address additional CHW trainings.
Keywords
telehealth, Community Health Workers or CHWs, training, competency, education, public health
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health Information Technology Commons, Medical Education Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Medical Specialties Commons
Comments
Trial Registration: NCT04835493.