Delivering Integrated Care for Older People – A Feasibility Study on Online Training of Master Trainers

Abstract Introduction: The World Health Organization has advocated the training of healthcare workers in providing integrated care for older people (ICOPE). Due to physical and financial barriers, training through online mode was adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the online ICOPE training programme. Subjects and Methods: It was an observational study and 102 doctors from seven South Asian countries were imparted ICOPE training online. Knowledge was tested through multiple-choice questions. Feedback was taken through a structured online questionnaire after each session and after 1 year. Results: About 88.4% found the session satisfactory to excellent for grasping the concept. Seventy-nine per cent of participants rated the session interaction to be satisfactory to excellent. About 91.8% of participants rated the utility of the session as satisfactory to excellent as a future master trainer. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge post-training (mean difference of 3.6 ± 2.8; P < 0.001). Post 1-year responses remained positive with 91.3% using the course materials and skills, and 82.6% providing further training to other doctors. Conclusions: The online training programme is feasible and effective in imparting ICOPE training.