Innovation details
e DATA K features the adaptation and delivery of the NextGenU.org substance use disorder (SUD) training to build capacity to provide SUD screening and core services in primary care. After piloting in Kenya and conducting a randomised control trial in two Kenyan semi-rural districts (Machakos and Makueni), the training will be available world-wide. e DATA K and the research project have three goals:
Create and Test Trainings for Identification and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
To train large numbers of primary health care workers to successfully identify and treat substance use disorders in their practices through high-quality, globally available, free-to-use and low-cost to assemble computer-, peer and mentor-supported learning offered by NextGenU.org. The trainings cover:
- Screening for lay health workers
- Brief intervention and co-morbidities of SUD for primary care practitioners (including alcohol,tobacco and other substances)
Create and Test Trainings for Quality Improvement
To train clinical leaders and managers in quality improvement techniques to help implement those new interventions into the routine practice in primary care. This will also be done through computer based learning and exchange through a community of practice of leaders in substance use disorders service inclusion in primary care, again through NextGenU.org.
Evaluate Impact and Patient Outcomes
To evaluate the impact of this training on knowledge, attitudes, and practice, as well as patient outcomes. This will help to improve the training and to understand factors involved in translating trainings into sustainable SUD programmes and expanding them to other mental health conditions.
NextGenU is the world’s first and only portal to unlimited, free, accredited higher education in health sciences. All trainings on www.NextGenU.org contain:
Competency-basis and High Quality
Trainings are reviewed and endorsed by partners in academic, governmental and professional sectors in both low and high income countries. It uses existing, expert-created, published competencies, as well as existing screened resources that are openly posted. This enables all trainings to be provided free of costs, advertisements and carbon.
Use of an Existing, Globally-Used Platform
Moodle is used to provide a free, open source Course Management System to deliver course components such as modules, resources, testing and peer interaction. Moodle supports 7.2 million courses, 1.2 million teachers and 67 million learners in 235 countries. NextGenU’s use of Moodle includes organizing online and face-to-face interaction with mentors and peers, creating worldwide communities of practice where participants learn to share, review and learn from each other’s work.
High Security
High-security online testing is provided as student profiles include exam scores, work products and other accomplishments and metrics of progress.
Global Reach
Students anywhere in the world can enrol in the courses for interest or credit. University instructors can adapt and teach the courses to local groups of students.