Leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to Support Public Health Workforce Communications and Capacity Development in Central America

This one-page document shares lessons learned from a project centred around the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to strengthen the capacity of those involved in fostering rapid communication and instructional capabilities during health emergencies. The research effort is being implemented by the Guatemala branch of the United-States-based Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC).

Specifically, a formative evaluation field trial of the training was conducted in June 2007. For the pilot user evaluation, 5 "target" audience members were administered a pre-test, including an observation of one of the skills taught in the training (hand washing) and a brief questionnaire on resources available in their current work setting. During the course, evaluators recorded observations of the learners' use and reaction to the training. Following the course, a post-test and learner satisfaction evaluation were administered.

Results and conclusions from this process are detailed here. For example, evaluators agreed that the training, "while piloted in Guatemala, would be relevant to laboratory personnel in any Central American country and the target audience could learn from the self-study style course....[L]earners generally agreed that they could achieve the learning objectives, and (aside from some exception) transfer knowledge into the work place. They generally indicated they could learn from this style of self-study course....Observations indicated that there were several technical and formatting issues, rather than the content itself, that caused confusion for the users....[R]esults regarding preferred method for receiving information in a public health emergency indicated that email was most preferred..."

Editor's note: Please see the Related Summaries section below to learn about the project that emerged from this research process, which did result in a fully developed e-learning course that has been used in countries beyond Guatemala.