Piloting eLearning initiatives: Computer-based training and telementoring for viral hepatitis care in public primary...

Chronic viral hepatitis remains a major global public health challenge. The WHO launched the Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis in 2016, emphasizing health equity. Digital learning offers a promising solution to barriers in achieving hepatitis elimination. This study describes a digital learning initiative to strengthen primary care capacity for viral hepatitis management in the Philippines.

The initiative utilized asynchronous computer-based training (CBT) on the HepLearn platform and synchronous telementoring via HepTalks. The CBT was developed collaboratively with the Department of Health, WHO, Hepatology Society of the Philippines, and University of the Philippines Manila. The course addressed essential hepatitis B and C topics. Telementoring paired primary care physicians with specialists from the Hepatology Society of the Philippines using Zoom for interactive case discussions. Eight one-hour sessions were conducted, each starting with expert-led didactic lectures followed by case discussions.

Evaluation included quantitative and qualitative methods: surveys, pre- and post-test assessments, and feedback forms. Among 189 enrollees, 111 (58.7 %) completed HepLearn. Mean pre-test score was 2.63 ± 0.29, rising to 7.09 ± 1.90 post-test (p<0.001), demonstrating significant knowledge gain. Participant feedback indicated high satisfaction (72 % to 98 %) with course content. Thirteen physicians participated in HepTalks. Confidence in viral hepatitis care increased significantly, with 67 % expressing strong agreement that the sessions helped them provide better care.

This integrated eLearning approach demonstrates potential for scalable digital education to enhance hepatitis care in primary and remote communities. eLearning should be a strategy for eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.