Using participatory curriculum development for Barangay Health Workers in a local community: A pilot study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Reforms in health professions education in the past decade entails the
development of effective curricula that impact and improve health outcomes. Along with health professionals, barangay health workers (BHW) are not spared from experiencing curricular mishaps when they undergo trainings for community health work. This article described the process of a participatory approach in curriculum development for BHWs in a local community in the Ilocos Region.

Methodology: An exploratory sequential mixed method design was used for this pilot study. The method was framed from six (out of ten) steps in the Research and Development Cycle; these steps were categorized in three phases: 1) needs assessment, 2) participatory curriculum development, and 3) implementation of the curriculum and evaluation.

Results: Our findings yielded both qualitative (Phases 1 and 2) and quantitative (Phase 3) data which were
analyzed separately and sequentially. Phase 1 revealed findings based on the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats found in the community's health care context which were used to determine the
four potential training topics to develop a curriculum. Phase 2 generated a curriculum on hilot wellness
through the participation of the local government and curriculum experts. Phase 3 produced evaluative data
on the reaction, learning, and behavior of BHWs towards the implemented curriculum on hilot wellness.

Conclusion: The participatory curriculum development process entailed the generation and analysis of data from the community that produces a curriculum for the community. This curriculum does not only offer sustainable and longitudinal health care services but is sensitive to the values and culture of the community while considering the notion that learning it not linear. This article demonstrated that a participatory approach in curriculum development within health professions education can be pursued to address the everchanging healthcare needs of local communities.