Digital Training for Lay Health Care Workers’ Knowledge and Skills in HIV Index Case Testing: Cluster Randomized Trial

Authors: Tapiwa A Tembo, Nora E Rosenberg, Katie Mollan, Maria Kim, Sarah E Rutstein, Angella M Mkandawire, Mike J Chitani, Caroline Kumbuyo, Duncan Phiri, Mtisunge Mphande, Elijah Kavuta, Samuel Chilala, Jiayu Wang, Saeed Ahmed, Katherine Simon, Linda-Gail Bekker

This study examined whether digital training could improve the ability of lay health workers in Malawi to provide HIV testing to the partners and family members of people living with HIV. Among 306 health workers from 34 health facilities, those who received tablet-based training in addition to regular training showed greater improvements in knowledge and attitudes and performed better when counselling clients. The digital training was also completed by most participants. The findings suggest that combining digital and in-person training can help strengthen health workers’ skills in providing HIV testing services, especially in settings with limited resources.