Outcomes of blended learning for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea.

BACKGROUND: Quality human resources constitute an essential pillar of an effective health system. This paper analyzes the outcomes of blended learning for post-Ebola capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea. METHODS: Two courses lasting 3 months each (7-8 modules) were developed and implemented: one in Primary Health Care (eSSP) and the other in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Management (eSSR). Both eSSP and eSSR courses were offered online on the Moodle platform, followed by a face-to-face capacity-building workshop. A cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods approach was conducted in 2018-19. As outcomes, we described learners' sociodemographic characteristics, course completion and success, and perceptions of the courses and support from the instructors, analyzed the factors associated with learners' successful completion and reported on learners' feedback on their blended learning experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using the STATA 15 software, and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 282 health professionals were enrolled for both eSSP and eSSR courses. The completion rate was 69.5% (196/282). The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 80% (156/196), and the overall success rate for enrollees was 55% (156/282). The dropout and abstention rates were 22 and 9%, respectively. On both eSSP and eSSR courses, the success rate of women enrolled was higher than or equal to men's. The success rate of medical doctors enrolled (53% for eSSP and 67% for eSSR) was higher than for other health professionals, in particular nurses (9% for eSSP) and midwives (40% for eSSR). Course type was associated with success (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.15-3.24). Most learners strongly agreed that the courses are relevant for targeted health professionals (81 to 150/150), pdf course materials are well-structured and useful (105/150), the content of the modules is relevant, comprehensible, and clear (90/150), self-assessment quizzes are helpful (105/150), summative assessment assignments are relevant (90/150), the course administrators and IT manager were responsive to learners' concerns (90/150), they will recommend the courses to colleagues and friends (120/150). CONCLUSION: Two blended courses for capacity strengthening of health professionals were successfully developed and implemented in Guinea.

Approche eLearning pour le renforcement des capacités des professionnels de santé en Guinée : une expérience post-Ebola.

INTRODUCTION: The development of quality human resources for health is an essential pillar of an effective health system. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation process and the results of an eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed research method was conducted from January 15, 2018 to January 15, 2019. RESULTS: A team from the National Training and Research Centre in Rural Health of Maferinyah in Guinea has been trained in the development of online courses. Two courses lasting three months each (7 to 8 modules), entirely offered online on the Moodle platform, have been developed, one on Primary Health Care (eSSP) and the other on the Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (eSSR). Overall, 282 health professionals have been enrolled for both courses, with a completion rate of 69.5%. The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 79.6% and the success rate for enrollees was 55.3%. The dropout and abstention rates were 21.6% and 8.9%, respectively. The strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the organization and the success of such a training were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals is feasible and gives good findings in low-income contexts like that of Guinea.

[eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea: A post-Ebola experience]. / Approche eLearning pour le renforcement des capacités des professionnels de santé en Guinée : une expérience post-Ebola.

INTRODUCTION: The development of quality human resources for health is an essential pillar of an effective health system. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation process and the results of an eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed research method was conducted from January 15, 2018 to January 15, 2019. RESULTS: A team from the National Training and Research Centre in Rural Health of Maferinyah in Guinea has been trained in the development of online courses. Two courses lasting three months each (7 to 8 modules), entirely offered online on the Moodle platform, have been developed, one on Primary Health Care (eSSP) and the other on the Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (eSSR). Overall, 282 health professionals have been enrolled for both courses, with a completion rate of 69.5%. The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 79.6% and the success rate for enrollees was 55.3%. The dropout and abstention rates were 21.6% and 8.9%, respectively. The strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the organization and the success of such a training were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals is feasible and gives good findings in low-income contexts like that of Guinea.