Mobile Health Provider Training: Results and Lessons Learned from Year Four of Training on Core Competencies for Mobile Health in Clinical Care

Abstract

This article describes the results of the delivery of the fourth year of the delivery of a competency-based training program to train providers on best practices for mobile health in clinical care. During a 1-year span of time eight 1-day training workshops were delivered, training 252 providers and clinical support staff on best practices for mobile health in clinical care. Quality and effectiveness of training was evaluated and data was collected regarding provider technology use. Comparisons with previously published results were made and lessons learned for increasing reach and effectiveness of training were provided. Results showed that the training was effective in increasing knowledge and skills on the core competencies for mobile health in clinical care. Prior to the training, 48.5% reported integrating mobile health in clinical care, and following the training, 95.8% reported the intention to use mobile health. Follow-up results indicated that these results were maintained over time (83.3%), although limitations in the validity of follow-up data due to low response rates were noted. In order for clinicians to fully leverage the benefits of mobile health, training on mobile health is necessary. The current competency-based mobile health provider training is a mature, standardized, and effective solution that can serve as a model for existing and future mobile health training programs.