Development of a Comprehensive Communication Skills Curriculum Bases on Intervention Mapping in Response to an Urgent Need for Community Health Workers' Education Reform: A Study Protocol Publisher



Heshmati H¹ ; Shakibazadeh E¹ ; Mortaz Hejri S² ; Foroushani A³ ; Sadeghi R¹
Source: Journal of Education and Health Promotion Published:2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Communication skills are one of the most important competencies required for community health workers (CHWs); however, there is no systematic evidence-based communication training course for them. In this study, we aim to develop a comprehensive communication skills curriculum for CHWs based on the intervention mapping (IM) approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the IM approach to develop a systematic evidence-based communication skills curriculum for CHWs. First, we will determine the required competencies (by a literature search, a qualitative study, and a Delphi study), and then, we will develop a questionnaire for need assessment, and finally, we will implement the course and evaluate its efficacy by conducting a randomized controlled trial. This study was designed according to the steps of IM. CONCLUSION: This protocol reports an example of developing a training course using IM. This course could be applied for similar health workers across the world, as well as the CHWs. © 2020 Copernicus GmbH. All rights reserved.