Assessing the usefulness of an mHealth strategy to support implementation of multi-faceted adaptive feeding interventions by community-based rehabilitation workers

Abstract

ABSTRACT To assess the usefulness of an mHealth strategy to support assimilation of adaptive feeding interventions into daily practices of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) workers. The mHealth strategy was evaluated in a 4-week field test. At baseline, all participants received a 1-hour, hands-on training on adaptive feeding techniques. The intervention group (n = 12) subsequently received smartphones pre-loaded with training and demonstration videos; control group members (n = 12) did not. All were instructed to recommend adaptive feeding interventions to families on their caseload when appropriate. Both groups received weekly calls to monitor progress and discussed their experiences in post-study focus groups. The intervention group saw over twice the number of families with a child with cerebral palsy compared to the control group. For intervention group members, on-demand access to the videos increased their overall usefulness in everyday practice, enhanced their self-confidence, clarified their recommendations, and increased credibility with caregivers. In contrast, control group members implemented the adaptive feeding strategies less frequently and less confidently. mHealth strategies are a promising option for supporting geographically dispersed CBR workers implementing multi-faceted assistive technology interventions. The portability of video content reinforced learning, increased implementation of the adaptive feeding interventions, and enhanced communication with consumer.