The objective of the Integrated Management of Primary Acute and Chronic Care Training (IMPACCT) is to support healthcare practitioners in efficiently ‘diagnosing’ and delivering care within ‘primary’ healthcare facilities. Through this training, learners adopt a meticulous and patient-centric methodology for addressing both acute and chronic health conditions.

They are equipped to assess patients comprehensively, considering their individual needs and circumstances, and provide appropriate care accordingly. Furthermore, the training emphasizes the importance of timely referrals to higher levels of care when necessary, ensuring that patients receive the most suitable treatment and interventions for their conditions.

The challenge was that first level healthcare practitioners operating at primary healthcare facilities around the world needed to follow a unified and consistent treatment methodology for primary acute and chronic care.

To facilitate this, an algorithm has been developed and adequate training needs to be implemented now worldwide to ensure its adherence and acceptance.

The proposed solution involves the development of comprehensive e-learning modules tailored to effectively train first contact health workers. These modules are designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill several key objectives:

• Identifying and Providing Care for Acute Conditions
• Providing a Continuum of Care Across Health Services
• Knowing When to Refer a Patient to Higher Levels of Care

By leveraging e-learning methodologies, such as interactive simulations, case studies, and assessments, the training modules will provide health workers with practical, hands-on experience in handling diverse healthcare scenarios. Moreover, the flexibility of e-learning allows for self-paced learning, enabling health workers to enhance their skills while balancing their professional responsibilities. Overall, the creation of these e-learning modules represents a holistic and innovative approach to equipping first contact health workers with the competencies needed to deliver high-quality and comprehensive care to individuals across diverse healthcare settings.

The implementation of tailored e-learning modules for first contact health workers yielded significant results:

Improved Ability to Identify and Address Acute Conditions:
Health workers demonstrated enhanced proficiency in identifying and managing acute conditions, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Continuum of Care Delivery:
Health workers adopted a holistic approach to healthcare delivery, covering health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, resulting in improved health outcomes across the lifespan.

Enhanced Referral Decision-making:
Equipped with decision-making frameworks from the modules, health workers made more timely and appropriate referrals, ensuring patients received specialized care when needed, thus improving overall patient outcomes.