Shah Harsh, Patel Jay, Rai Sandeep, Sinha Anish, Saxena Deepak, Panchal Shikha
Department of Public Health Sciences, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, IND.
Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, IND.
Cureus. 2024 Jan 30;16(1):e53255. doi: 10.7759/cureus.53255. eCollection 2024 Jan.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Knowledge gaps among healthcare providers (HCPs) significantly impact TB management, hindering timely care-seeking and effective interventions.
The primary objective was to assess knowledge gaps among 3086 HCPs engaged in the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) implementation in Gujarat, India. The study provided a platform to develop and implement cadre-specific training modules to address identified knowledge deficiencies and enhance TB management.
The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one was designed as a cross-sectional assessment to identify the knowledge gaps. Phase two involved the development of cadre-specific training modules based on identified deficiencies in the knowledge, crafted with collaboration from an expert panel. The training impact will be evaluated after completion of the training of all cadres through a comprehensive assessment.
Out of 3086 assessed HCPs, 26% scored below the passing benchmark, revealing significant knowledge gaps. The variations were observed among and within the same cadres, with the accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and community health workers showing higher proficiency while pharmacists and medical officers showed lower proficiency. The cadre-specific training modules and training cascade were designed to address these gaps and improve TB-related knowledge and skills.
The study underscores the critical need for targeted interventions to address knowledge gaps among HCPs involved in TB control. The customized HCP-specific training programs are recommended to enhance knowledge, improve TB management, and contribute to national TB elimination goals.
结核病仍然是一项全球性的健康挑战，在低收入和中等收入国家尤为如此。医疗服务提供者（HCPs）之间的知识差距严重影响结核病管理，阻碍及时就医和有效干预措施的实施。
主要目的是评估参与印度古吉拉特邦国家结核病消除计划（NTEP）实施工作的3086名医疗服务提供者的知识差距。该研究提供了一个平台，用于开发和实施针对不同岗位的培训模块，以弥补已发现的知识缺陷并加强结核病管理。
该研究分两个阶段进行。第一阶段设计为横断面评估，以确定知识差距。第二阶段是根据所发现的知识缺陷，在专家小组的协作下制定针对不同岗位的培训模块。在所有岗位人员完成培训后，将通过全面评估来评估培训效果。
在3086名接受评估的医疗服务提供者中，26%的人得分低于及格基准，显示出明显的知识差距。在同一岗位人员之间以及不同岗位之间都存在差异，经认可的社会健康活动家（ASHAs）和社区卫生工作者表现出较高的专业水平，而药剂师和医务人员表现出较低的专业水平。针对不同岗位的培训模块和培训层级旨在弥补这些差距，提高与结核病相关的知识和技能。
该研究强调迫切需要采取有针对性的干预措施，以弥补参与结核病控制的医疗服务提供者之间的知识差距。建议制定针对特定医疗服务提供者的定制培训计划，以增强知识、改善结核病管理，并为国家结核病消除目标做出贡献。
