Implementing health worker training on sepsis in South Eastern Nigeria using innovative digital strategies: an interventional study.

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Training of health workers using digital platforms may improve knowledge and lead to better patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of a digital health educational module on sepsis in improving the knowledge of medical doctors in Cross River State Nigeria on the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with sepsis.

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental analytical study.

METHODS

We developed and deployed a sepsis module through an innovative application (Sepsis tutorial app) to doctors in Calabar, Nigeria. We assessed quantitative pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores for those completing the tutorial on sepsis between both assessments. A user satisfaction survey evaluated the content of the tutorial and the usability of the app.

RESULTS

One hundred and two doctors completed the course. There were more males than females (58.8% 41.2%). Over half (52%) were junior doctors, a minority were general practitioners and house officers (3% and 5%, respectively), and 72.6% had practiced for periods ranging from 1 to 15 years post-qualification. Gender and age appeared to have no significant association with pre- and post-test scores. The oldest age group (61-70) had the lowest mean pre- and post-test scores, while general practitioners had higher mean pre- and post-test scores than other cadres. The majority (95%) of participants recorded higher post-test than pre-test scores with a significant overall increase in mean scores (25.5 ± 14.7%,  < 0.0001). Participants were satisfied with the content and multimodal delivery of the material and found the app usable.

CONCLUSION

Digital training using context-responsive platforms is feasible and may be used to close the critical knowledge gap required to respond effectively to medical emergencies such as sepsis in low- to middle-income settings.