Development and validation of an interactive educational technology on spotted fever

Assessing the Effectiveness of a Massive Open Online Course for Caregivers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Methodological Study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to health care systems, particularly impacting the older population due to their vulnerability and increased susceptibility to severe complications. Many of the most vulnerable individuals rely on informal caregivers, who play a vital role in enabling them to continue living in their homes. However, social isolation and limited access to health services during the pandemic have made caregiving more difficult. In response, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have emerged as a training and support solution for caregivers. This study focuses on a MOOC developed to assist caregivers during the pandemic, aiming to enhance their knowledge of COVID-19 and prevention measures and promote effective self-care practices.

OBJECTIVE

The study's aim is to develop and validate a MOOC integrating personal and housing hygiene measures to be adopted in self-care-related activities, surveillance, and monitoring by caregivers of the most vulnerable home-dwelling-dependent people, to provide safe care and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

A methodological study was developed. The content of the MOOC was developed based on scientific evidence and a Delphi study. The course was organized into 9 modules, addressing aspects related to safe self-care assistance and minimizing the risk of contagion. A convenience sample of 33 informal caregivers was recruited through a caregivers' association to verify the adequacy of the course. Knowledge questionnaires were administered before and after the course to assess the impact on caregivers' knowledge. The Family Caregiving Factors Inventory was used to evaluate caregiver resources, knowledge, expectations, and difficulties. Additionally, the technology acceptance model was applied to assess participants' satisfaction with the MOOC.

RESULTS

Prior to attending the MOOC, participants demonstrated an average knowledge level score of mean 14.94 (SD 2.72). After completing the course, this score significantly increased to mean 16.52 (SD 2.28), indicating an improvement in knowledge. Caregivers found the course accessible, valuable, and applicable to their caregiving roles. Feedback regarding the MOOC's structure, illustrative videos, and language was overwhelmingly positive. Participants perceived the course as a valuable resource for decision-making in care delivery, leading to enhanced self-esteem and confidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The MOOC has proven to be an effective tool for increasing caregivers' knowledge and empowering them in their roles. Remarkably, even low-literacy caregivers found the course valuable for its clear and understandable information. The MOOC demonstrated its adaptability to challenges faced during the pandemic, ensuring access to relevant information. This empowering strategy for caregivers has yielded positive outcomes. The MOOC represents a tool to support and empower informal caregivers, enabling them to provide optimal care during difficult times.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Strategies to end seclusion restraint module of the QualityRights ToolKit

OBJECTIVE

to adapt to the Brazilian culture and validate the module "Strategies to end seclusion restraint" of the QualityRights toolkit of the World Health Organization on mental disorders to train health professionals in Brazil.

METHOD

it is a methodological study divided into three stages. The modules were translated from the original language (English) to the target language (Brazilian Portuguese) in the first stage. In the second, the translation was assessed by a committee of judges with seven experts. In the third stage, the assessment was conducted by mental health professionals (nurses, psychologists, and lawyers), in which seven mental health professionals participated. They assessed the material using the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument.

RESULTS

in the assessment conducted by the experts (n=7), 8 items assessed obtained 100% approval and the other 6 items obtained lower approvals, with a total approval of 92%. Regarding the assessment by health professionals (n=7), 2 items had a maximum approval of 100% and the other had the approval of 86% each, with a total approval of 88%.

CONCLUSION

based on the results, it is considered that this module is adapted to the Brazilian culture and can be used to train Brazilian health professionals.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Strategies to end seclusion restraint module of the QualityRights ToolKit*

Abstract Objective to adapt to the Brazilian culture and validate the module “Strategies to end seclusion restraint” of the QualityRights toolkit of the World Health Organization on mental disorders to train health professionals in Brazil. Method it is a methodological study divided into three stages. The modules were translated from the original language (English) to the target language (Brazilian Portuguese) in the first stage. In the second, the translation was assessed by a committee of judges with seven experts. In the third stage, the assessment was conducted by mental health professionals (nurses, psychologists, and lawyers), in which seven mental health professionals participated. They assessed the material using the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument. Results in the assessment conducted by the experts (n=7), 8 items assessed obtained 100% approval and the other 6 items obtained lower approvals, with a total approval of 92%. Regarding the assessment by health professionals (n=7), 2 items had a maximum approval of 100% and the other had the approval of 86% each, with a total approval of 88%. Conclusion based on the results, it is considered that this module is adapted to the Brazilian culture and can be used to train Brazilian health professionals.

Adaptación cultural y validación del módulo Strategies to end seclusion restraint del ToolKit QualityRights*

Resumen Objetivo adaptar a la cultura brasileña y validar el módulo “Strategies to end seclusion restraint del ‘toolkit QualityRights’” de la Organización Mundial de la Salud sobre trastornos mentales para la capacitación de profesionales de la salud en Brasil. Método se trata de un estudio metodológico, dividido en tres etapas. En la primera, fue realizada la traducción de los módulos de la lengua original (inglés) a la lengua objetivo (portugués brasileño). En la segunda, fue realizada la evaluación de la traducción por un comité de jueces compuesto de siete especialistas. En la tercera etapa, fue realizada la evaluación por profesionales de la salud mental (enfermeros, psicólogos y abogados), de la cual participaron siete profesionales de la salud mental. Ellos evaluaron el material por medio del instrumento Suitability Assessment of Materials. Resultados en la evaluación realizada por los especialistas (n=7), 8 ítems evaluados obtuvieron 100% de aprobación y los otros 6 ítems aprobaciones menores, obteniéndose una aprobación total del 92%. En cuanto a la evaluación realizada por los profesionales de la salud (n=7), 2 ítems tuvieron aprobación máxima del 100% y los demás tuvieron aprobación del 86% cada uno, obteniéndose aprobación total del 88%. Conclusión con base en los resultados, se considera que este módulo está adaptado a la cultura brasileña, pudiendo ser utilizado para la capacitación de profesionales de la salud brasileños.