Strengthening linkages between tertiary care hospitals and Primary Health care facilities Experiences from an online capacity building program for Community Health Officers of Odisha

Abstract

Introduction: Primary healthcare (PHC) is essential for strengthening national health systems. Despite various initiatives in India, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of healthcare workers, and limited service availability. To address these challenges, an online innovative capacity-building program was developed to enhance the skills of Community Health Officers (CHOs) in Odisha while integrating tertiary care hospitals with primary healthcare facilities. Methodology: An online innovative comprehensive program was developed in multiple phases: phase 1 needs assessment and planning, phase 2 curriculum development, and phase 3 platform development. Thereafter, in phase 4, resource faculty from prominent medical institutions were recruited and oriented on course structure. CHOs were enrolled in the phase 5, and continuous evaluation mechanisms were established, including pre and post-tests, skill video submissions, peer evaluations, and module exit exams. Results: The program enrolled 398 CHOs, with 88% completing the pre-test and 70% submitting skill videos. Peer evaluations and feedback from stakeholders, including experts from tertiary care hospitals, highlighted the program's effectiveness in enhancing skills. The collaboration between tertiary care experts and NHM officials in platform selection, curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and program review ensured online training program aligned with course objectives, leveraged expertise, and remained responsive to evolving needs, creating a digital link between grassroots healthcare workers and tertiary care for enhancing primary healthcare delivery. Conclusion: The integration of tertiary care hospitals with PHC, facilitated through an online program for CHOs in Odisha, demonstrates the potential for improving health, serving as a replicable model for other states.