A Conceptual Framework for Training Community Health Workers Through Virtual Public Health Education Modules

• Author(s): Leesi Saturday Komi ; Ernest Chinonso Chianumba ; Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo ; Damilola Osamika ; Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha
• Paper ID: 1708181
• Page: 332-350
• Published Date: 31-05-2022
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 5 Issue 11 May-2022

Abstract

Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as critical intermediaries between underserved populations and formal healthcare systems, particularly in low-resource and remote settings. Despite their indispensable role in promoting health equity and expanding access to essential services, CHWs often face inadequate training opportunities due to financial, geographic, and institutional barriers. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for training CHWs through virtual public health education modules, aimed at standardizing, scaling, and enhancing community-based healthcare delivery. The framework integrates principles from adult learning theory, digital pedagogy, and public health competencies to create a responsive, flexible, and culturally sensitive virtual learning environment. It is designed to support asynchronous and synchronous learning, utilizing mobile platforms, low-bandwidth technologies, and multimedia content tailored to CHWs' linguistic and literacy levels. Core components include foundational knowledge in disease prevention, maternal and child health, health promotion strategies, data collection, and emergency response. The framework also incorporates continuous assessment mechanisms, peer-to-peer interaction, and mentorship models to reinforce knowledge retention and practical application. A review of existing digital CHW training initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America highlights the feasibility and benefits of virtual learning, such as reduced travel costs, improved scalability, and timely updates on evolving health protocols. However, challenges such as digital illiteracy, inconsistent internet access, and the need for local adaptation remain prominent. The proposed framework addresses these limitations through a hybrid model that combines virtual modules with periodic in-person support, community facilitation, and localized content co-development. This conceptual framework offers a strategic path to professionalize and empower CHWs, enabling them to respond more effectively to public health needs, especially during emergencies like pandemics and natural disasters. By leveraging scalable digital tools and community-rooted learning practices, it aims to enhance CHW performance, retention, and impact. Future research should evaluate the implementation of this framework in diverse settings and its influence on health outcomes and workforce sustainability.

Keywords

Community Health Workers, Digital Learning, Virtual Training, Public Health Education, Low-Resource Settings, Health Equity, E-Learning, Capacity Building, Workforce Development, Conceptual Framework.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Leesi Saturday Komi , Ernest Chinonso Chianumba , Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo , Damilola Osamika , Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha "A Conceptual Framework for Training Community Health Workers Through Virtual Public Health Education Modules" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 11 2022 Page 332-350

IEEE:
Leesi Saturday Komi , Ernest Chinonso Chianumba , Adelaide Yeboah Forkuo , Damilola Osamika , Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha "A Conceptual Framework for Training Community Health Workers Through Virtual Public Health Education Modules" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(11)