Video As An Effective Knowledge Transfer Tool to Increase Awareness Among Health Workers and Better Manage Dengue Fever Cases.

Abstract

Background context. For a patient with dengue fever, a wrong diagnosis can be fatal. Very few Burkinabé health workers are properly trained to diagnose and treat cases of dengue fever. Recent outbreaks of dengue fever in Burkina Faso, which is also carrying a significant malaria burden, have made updating health workers’ knowledge an urgent matter.Method. Following a trial to determine the most appropriate format, a video was specially developed as a knowledge translation tool to update health workers’ knowledge. We posted a training video online for front-line medical staff. In four months, it was viewed by 2,993 people. We conducted a qualitative evaluation using the theory of planned behaviour. Twenty interviews were conducted with health professionals who had viewed the video. A content analysis was performed.Results. The use of the knowledge contained in the video was mainly influenced by the fact that its format was adapted to the target audience, that it presented specific and concise information, that it conveyed a relevant message in everyday language, and that the context was one of urgency.Conclusion. The development of video as a knowledge translation tool is an effective and efficient way to update health workers’ knowledge and influence their practices. Users received the video enthusiastically because of the epidemic context.