Building capacity among community workers to screen for developmental and hearing disabilities with an m-health app...

Using a community-based participatory research approach, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of community workers (CWs) on the training required to screen for developmental and hearing difficulties with the newly developed SRESHT screener.

Three focus group discussions were conducted among CWs following a brief demonstration and hands-on session utilizing the SRESHT screener. Guides and probes were developed based on review of literature on training CWs in health and disability as well as based on researcher insights. A deductive thematic analysis was done with QDA Miner Lite software.

Three main themes were perceived training need, program structure, and implementation challenges. CWs identified training needs for counseling, technology, and practical experience. CWs identified the preferred training structure that included manuals with photos and videos. They prefeerd a two - day in person training with short sessions, opportunities for feedback and shadowing along with practical sessions conducted in small groups of ten. Challenges identified were charging and internet connectivity in rural areas and acceptability of CWs led screenings, with concerns about stigma and confidentiality. Availability CONCLUSION: This study identified specific CWs defined criteria for an effective training program regarding SRESHT screener. The findings clearly state the need for training in counselling and technology as well as a preference for practical, multi component training methods, which is tailored to this specific context. The study also shows that for successful and sustainable implementation, the program must proactively tackle potential issues related to technological infrastructure and community acceptance.