Pilot implementation of a computer-based training course on newborn hearing screening and teleaudiology among primary healthcare providers in low resource settings

Objective@#Newborn hearing screening (NHS) in the Philippines has been mandated by law since 2009. However, lack of awareness and knowledge about NHS remains a challenge, especially among healthcare providers. This paper describes the pilot implementation of a computer-based training (CBT) course on NHS and teleaudiology among primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) in rural Philippines. @*Methods@#A four-module web-based training course on newborn hearing screening and teleaudiology in an online learning management system (LMS) was field-tested among PHCPs from eight rural communities in the Philippines. Participants were given four weeks to complete the course. @*Results@#Forty-two PHCPs participated in the CBT. Thirty-four (81%) completed the whole course (mean attrition rate of 4.8% per module) at a mean duration of 10.2 days. Baseline data shows that participants had no NHS training, although the majority (83%) had information and communications technology (ICT) training. Comparison of preand post-test mean scores showed a 24.0% (p<0.001) significant increase in the post-test in all four modules. Passing rates (i.e., score ≥70%) from pre- to post-test increased by 54.6% (range: 38-80% increase). Usability of the CBT was rated high with a mean score of 4.32 out of 5 (range: 4.13 to 4.47), covering all eight parameters. Participants expressed general satisfaction and a positive attitude on CBT to improve knowledge on NHS and teleaudiology. @*Conclusion@#Even in low resource settings where gaps in ICT infrastructure exist, eLearning can be used as an alternative approach to increase awareness and support training of healthcare providers on newborn hearing screening.

Design of a blended learning course for training community healthcare providers on ehealth-enabled newborn hearing screening

Objectives@#We present in this article the design and evaluation of a blended learning approach for training community healthcare providers in performing newborn hearing screening (NHS).@*Methods@#We developed a blended learning course for training community healthcare providers on eHealth-enabled NHS, following Bloom’s revised taxonomy of educational objectives. The training involved three components: computer-based training (CBT), face-to-face (FTF) training, and on-site coaching. We used surveys and post-training interviews following Level 1 Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model to get initial feedback on the training program. @*Results@#Thirty-one community healthcare providers from five rural health units and a private hearing screening center, with a mean age of 42.2 ± 12.0 years, participated in the pilot. 93.5% of the participants agreed that the program content met stated objectives and was relevant to their practice. The length of the course was perceived to be adequate. Overall satisfaction with the program was rated at 8.5 ± 0.9 (with ten as the highest). The majority expressed that the CBT and FTF course were satisfactory at 93.5% and 100%, respectively. All participants agreed that the course enhanced their knowledge of newborn hearing screening and telehealth. Positive reviews were received from participants on the use of CBT to improve theoretical knowledge before FTF training. Participants declared that FTF training and on-site coaching helped improved NHS skills and implementation. @*Conclusion@#Competent community healthcare providers are critical to strengthening the performance of the health system, and advances in the education and technology sectors offer promising potential in upskilling local healthcare providers. The increasing access of Filipino healthcare providers to improved information and communications technology (ICT) is a significant catalyst for pedagogical innovation, like the use of blended learning in the continuous professional development of health practitioners. As ICTs gradually penetrate the health sector, the challenge we now face is not whether but how we can use innovations in education strategies to benefit healthcare providers.