WIP 04 - Evaluating Mobile Health Training Modalities for Community Health Workers in Northern Uganda

Publication Number: WIP 04.7692

Dhatri Abeyaratne, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Isaac Faustino, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Felix Bongomin, Gulu University, Uganda, Gulu, Gulu, Uganda; Daniel Ebbs, Yale University, Wilton, CT, United States

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) can enhance medical skill acquisition, retention, and engagement among community health workers (CHWs) in low-resource settings. The Laro Kwo Project (LKP), founded in 2015, is a community-led and co-developed CHW training program in Northern Uganda that utilizes mHealth for training. Previous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer model combined with mHealth technology, enabling CHWs to achieve competency in essential medical triage skills for pediatric patients. Using a self-guided android tablet-based application, this model supported CHW training and skill development with maintenance in skill competency over time.

Objective: This study aims to compare the impact of three mHealth training approaches on CHW learning outcomes and engagement. The three training approaches are: (1) a gamified tablet-based app with sequentially unlocked modules, (2) a standard (self-guided) app with unrestricted access to all modules, and (3) a standard app enhanced with virtual simulation sessions for practical, scenario-based skill practice.

Design/Methods: This before-after quasi-experimental study employs a modified community-based participatory research approach. In August, thirty CHWs from three health centers in Northern Uganda received in-person training and completed a baseline written exam and skills assessment on core pediatric clinical skills. From August to November, CHWs will be divided into three groups, each receiving one of the three training approaches, with instructions to complete all modules monthly. Following the training period, de-identified data on module usage and completion rates will be collected for analysis. CHWs will then undergo a final written exam and skills assessment with a research coordinator. We will use a paired sample t-test to evaluate the change in written exam and skills assessment scores, followed by one way ANOVA to compare scores and module usage data between the three groups. Approved by Yale IRB #2000038124.