Perceptions of Primary Healthcare Workers on In-person versus Virtual Skills Acquisition Training on Primary Ear and Hearing Care

Abstract

Background: Due to demands for innovative solutions for training health care workers, virtual training has gained popularity offering distinct advantages over traditional in-person learning. However, there is no assessment yet of the effectiveness of virtual training in Primary Health Care (PEHC). This study evaluated perceptions of effectiveness and impact from participants trained on the PEHC manual using both in-person and virtual training formats.

Materials and Methods: This qualitative study utilized Focus Group Discussions and semi-structured interviews to gather insights from Primary Health Care Workers (PHCWs) from six Local Government Areas in Oyo State, Nigeria. Using a multistage cluster sampling technique, 134 respondents were selected to participate in either virtual or in-person training. The data was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis with Atlas TI software.

Results: Five themes emerged from the study (Knowledge Acquired, Skills acquired, Preferences, Challenges, Recommendation). Participants in both training formats acknowledged that the training significantly improved their knowledge and practical skills in ear care, and they now feel equipped to handle cases of ear and hearing lesions. Though there was a predominant preference for in-person training format, some participants suggested increased use of virtual training to reach more PHCWs who were unable to participate in in-person training sessions. While in-person training participants complained of traveling long distances and accommodation challenges, virtual training participants complained mostly of the technical glitches and loss of attention.

Conclusion /Recommendations: Both in-person and virtual training formats were equally effective in training PHCWs. Despite the challenges identified in both training formats, integration of both trainings formats, with optimization of the virtual training format can provide a more comprehensive approach to professional development of primary healthcare workers.