E1.02 - Oral: Promising Practices and Challenges in Measuring the Success of Online Community Health Worker Training

Brief Abstract Summary: Explore the opportunities online learning holds for community health worker (CHW) training programs and discuss the unique challenges in learner engagement and retention. Recruitment and retention in training programs for CHWs and peer support specialists are key for expanding and diversifying the workforce. Online learning may improve accessibility of training, but requires engagement and student support strategies. CHW CORE is a federally funded, self-paced online course for CHW certification in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Strategies in and outside of the learning management system supported trainees (i.e., financial stipends and peer learning sessions). Preliminary analyses suggest course completion may be connected to pursuing certification, rather than continuing education. Course completers reported significant knowledge and confidence gains in CHW competencies. Come explore with us the factors that promote course completion and course design strategies that engage learners.

Detailed abstract description: Online learning and course design received renewed attention since COVID-19 pushed instruction into digital formats. Workforce development programs, particularly for auxiliary health staff, have opportunities to adjust recruitment and address access with online learning. Recruitment and retention in training programs for auxiliary health staff, such as community health workers (CHWs) or peer support specialists, are key for expanding and diversifying the workforce. Generally, there are barriers to training for community members new to the field, some of whom who have lower income and manage work responsibilities and family while trying to continue their education or change careers (Yilmaz & Karastas, 2022). Online learning may partially address accessibility concerns, but it comes with its own environment and challenges (McMahon, 2013; Yilmaz & Karastas, 2022).
The CHW CORE training program was established as a fully online, self-paced module series with content co-designed by CHWs that spans 75 hours. Supported by federal funding, CHW CORE prepares trainees for CHW certification in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Financial stipends offered to trainees aim to support their participation in the program by offsetting living costs, such as dependent care. The program also convenes trainees for real-time, virtual peer learning network opportunities, exchange of ideas, and case studies.
Evaluators examined retention, course design, and learning outcomes for insight into effectiveness. Specifically, evaluators surveyed trainees at baseline, midway, and end of course; conducted focus groups; and analyzed course module records. In Year 2 of the program, about as many trainees completed one or fewer course modules (37%) as did those who completed over 80% of the modules (39%). Completers reported statistically significant gains in their self-reported knowledge and confidence in competencies required by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). CHW CORE reached the population intended: about 77% of trainees were African American; about half (49%) reported a household income of less than $55,000; and 64% were interested in CHW state certification. Preliminary analyses suggested that education did not predict greater baseline knowledge or confidence and that pursuing certification motivated completion more so than mere interest in continuing education.
In addition, this presentation will discuss communication strategies and engagement in online learning. Trainees offered insights on advantages and disadvantages of self-paced, online education, as well their desire for more peer interaction. Online learning can be a valuable tool for CHW training; however, challenges persist with regard to maintaining contact with trainees and valid measurement of competencies containing social constructs which vary by cultural context.