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"Putting the power back into community": A mixed methods evaluation of a chronic hepatitis B training course for the Aboriginal health workforce of Australia's Northern Territory.

Authors :
Hosking, Kelly
De Santis, Teresa
Vintour-Cesar, Emily
Wilson, Phillip Merrdi
Bunn, Linda
Garambaka Gurruwiwi, George
Wurrawilya, Shiraline
Bukulatjpi, Sarah Mariyalawuy
Nelson, Sandra
Ross, Cheryl
Stuart-Carter, Kelly-Anne
Ngurruwuthun, Terese
Dhagapan, Amanda
Binks, Paula
Sullivan, Richard
Ward, Linda
Schroder, Phoebe
Tate-Baker, Jaclyn
Davis, Joshua S.
Connors, Christine
Source :
PLoS ONE; 1/24/2024, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p1-23, 23p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is endemic in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia's Northern Territory. Progression to liver disease can be prevented if holistic care is provided. Low health literacy amongst health professionals is a known barrier to caring for people living with CHB. We co-designed and delivered a culturally safe "Managing hepatitis B" training course for the Aboriginal health workforce. Here, we present an evaluation of the course. Objectives: 1. To improve course participants CHB-related knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice. 2. To evaluate the "Managing hepatitis B" training course. 3. To enable participants to have the skills and confidence to be part of the care team. Methods: We used participatory action research and culturally safe principles. We used purpose-built quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools to evaluate our "Managing hepatitis B" training course. We integrated the two forms of data, deductively analysing codes, grouped into categories, and assessed pedagogical outcomes against Kirkpatrick's training evaluation framework. Results: Eight courses were delivered between 2019 and 2023, with 130 participants from 32 communities. Pre- and post-course questionnaires demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all domains, p<0.001 on 93 matched pairs. Thematic network analysis demonstrated high levels of course acceptability and significant knowledge acquisition. Other themes identified include cultural safety, shame, previous misinformation, and misconceptions about transmission. Observations demonstrate improvements in post-course engagement, a deep understanding of CHB as well as increased participation in clinical care teams. Conclusions: The "Managing hepatitis B" training course led to a sustained improvement in the knowledge and attitudes of the Aboriginal health workforce, resulting in improved care and treatment uptake for people living with CHB. Important non-clinical outcomes included strengthening teaching and leadership skills, and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19326203
Volume :
19
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
PLoS ONE
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175006427
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288577