JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems across the world disproportionately impacting immigrant and racialized populations. Canadian African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities representing some of the most vulnerable populations in terms of their susceptibility to health risks, receipt of adequate care, and chances of recovery.

Objective:

The COVID-19 ACB Providers Project (CAPP 2) aims to strengthen the ability of health care providers (HCP) to address this community’s COVID-19 related healthcare needs. Informed by CAPP 1.0 Project, a mixed-method study which examined COVID-19 pandemic impact on ACB communities in Ontario (Ottawa and Toronto), this second study seeks to develop and implement educational programs on five key areas (modules) to strengthen the capacity of HCPs working with ACB populations.

Methods:

An implementation science approach will guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of the evidence-informed interventions. Intersectionality lens, socio-ecological model (SEM) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) frameworks will inform the research process. To ensure active stakeholder engagement, there will be a Project Advisory Committee comprised of 16 ACB community members, health providers, and partner agency representatives. Five modules will be developed: two virtual simulation games in collaboration with leading simulation experts, and three non-simulation modules. The five modules (topics) include: 1) COVID-19 and its impacts on health, 2) social determinants of health and health inequities, 3) critical health literacy, 4) critical racial literacy, and 5) cultural competence and safety. Lastly, the ADDIE Instructional Design method will serve as a framework to design and develop the educational modules.

Results:

This study will strengthen policies related to HCPs capacity-building requirements, for improved African, Caribbean, and Black care. The results will be disseminated in community workshops, an online learning platform, at academic conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.

Conclusions:

In summary, enhancing healthcare provision and strengthening resilience during and after COVID-19 will require a whole-scale commitment to anti-racism. HCP are uniquely situated to interact with all members of the community during some of their most vulnerable moments. It is critically important to equip HCPs with the tools to provide culturally competent and equitable care to the ACB population. These five modules will enhance service provider education and build capacity for HCP by ensuring justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in healthcare to people from ACB communities and other diverse backgrounds.