title: Feasibility of a web-based training system for peer community health advisors in cancer early detection among african americans.
abstract: We describe the feasibility of a Web-based portal for training peer community health advisors (CHAs). We conducted a community-based implementation trial in African American churches between 2012 and 2014. The Web-based portal allows CHAs to log in and view 13 training videos, preparing them to deliver 3 cancer early detection workshops in their churches. Of 8 churches, 6 completed the training, each certifying 2 CHAs. These CHAs took an average of 26 days to complete the training, requiring little technical assistance. Additional technical assistance was required to implement the workshops. The Web-based system appears to be a feasible method for training lay individuals for the CHA role and has implications for increasing the reach of evidence-based interventions.
authors.affiliation: Sherie Lou Z. Santos, Erin K. Tagai, Min Qi Wang, and Cheryl L. Holt are with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park. Mary Ann Scheirer is with Scheirer Consulting, Princeton, NJ. Jimmie L. Slade is with Community Ministry of Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, MD.
authors.forename: Sherie Lou Z
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Erin K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Tagai
authors.forename: Min Qi
authors.initials: MQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Scheirer
authors.forename: Jimmie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: Cheryl L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Holt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D003142:Communication; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development