KEY PERSONNEL: Dr. Thandie Mwalukomo (PD, eLearning Coordinator, Training Coordinator), Jane Mallewa (Co-PI), Dr. Louisa Nsai Alfazema (Co-PI), Godfrey Chisoni (Finance Administrator)
PROJECT TITLE: STRIPE HIV – University of Malawi College of Medicine
PROJECT YEAR 1 RECAP: Nine facilitators were trained to facilitate the HIV and COVID-19 Modules to 110 learners in a series of three training workshops. A WhatsApp-based consultation system was developed to improve post-training communication. COVID-19 training for pre-service medical students was also conducted.
PROJECT YEAR 2 SUMMARY: The University of Malawi, College of Medicine trained 9 facilitators and 235 learners. Diverse cadres of pre- and post-service learners were represented, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and clinical officers. In response to COVID-19, workshops were adapted to a virtual format.
MAIN ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Trained 9 facilitators to facilitate workshops for 8 modules
- Trained 235 learners
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
- Electronic devices were limited for learners. To address this, learners shared devices and logged in separately to register and take pre- and post-tests.
- Facilitators felt isolated and struggled to monitor student participation due to virtual format and lack of non-verbal response gotten from face-to-face learning. These challenges were addressed, and solutions were proposed during a PI/PD webinar.
TRAINING PARTNERS
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine
- Malawi College of Health Sciences
PARTICIPATING CINICAL SITES
Six PEPFAR-supported clinical sites and one district government authority (in a PEPFAR-supported district) contributed post-graduate learners. Figure 1 indicates the location of the sites.
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital*
- Machinga District Hospital*
- Holy Family Mission Hospital, Nsanje
- Zomba Central Hospital
- Kamuzu Central Hospital
- Zomba District Health Office
- Koche Community Hospital, Mangochi
Figure 1. Map showing the distribution of year 2 post-graduate trainees
IMPLEMENTATION
- Training cohorts: 7
- Facilitators Trained: 9
Professional Cadre |
Gender |
||
Medical |
7 |
Male |
5 |
Nursing/Midwifery |
1 |
Female |
4 |
Pharmacy |
1 |
- Learners trained: 235
Medical |
Nursing/Midwifery |
Pharmacy |
Laboratory |
Other |
Total |
|
Preservice |
151 |
0 |
23 |
17 |
13 |
204 |
Postgraduate |
26 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
31 |
Total |
177 |
5 |
23 |
17 |
13 |
235 |
Gender |
|
Male |
155 |
Female |
80 |
BROADER IMPACT: Case-based learning is being integrated into other courses at the College of Medicine. This year, STRIPE HIV team engaged with district/regional government health authorities to recruit potential learners, and there are plans to engage the national government health authorities in future project years.