Digital learning strategies to train primary healthcare workers in sub‐Saharan Africa: A scoping review
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Abstract
Background. Primary healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa often face challenges regarding training. Digital learning strategies may improve the competencies of healthcare workers in this resource-limited region without them having to leave their postings.
Objective. To map the existing literature on digital learning strategies to train primary healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods. This scoping review complies with the Population Concept Context guidelines of Arksey and O’Malley and is reported according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. A systematic search (Ovid/MEDLINE, embase.com, Elsevier/Scopus, African Index Medicus) was performed from inception until December 2023 in collaboration with a medical information specialist. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full texts.
Results. Twenty-three studies were included from 11 of 44 sub-Saharan countries (25%). Studies addressed digital (61%) and blended (39%) learning strategies. Training covered infectious diseases (57%), substance use (17%), mental health (8%), sexual/reproductive health (8%), non-communicable diseases (8%) and neonatal resuscitation (4%). Training duration ranged from 6 hours to 18 months. The sample size varied between 20 and 55 415 participants. Types of healthcare workers who participated ranged from nurses to community healthcare workers, midwives, clinical officers, doctors and laboratory staff. Studies measured feasibility (n=12, 52%), knowledge (n=15, 65%) and skills (n=16, 69%). Feasibility was overall positive in digital (75%) and blended (100%) strategies. Knowledge increased with digital (91%) and blended (100%) strategies. Skills improved with digital (85%) and blended (100%) strategies. Challenges included limited access to networks (81%) and devices (72%).
Conclusion. Digital learning strategies are feasible tools to improve the knowledge and skills of primary healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing challenges, such as network and device access, should be taken into account.
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