Physical and Augmented Reality based Playful Activities for Refresher Training of ASHA Workers in India

TL;DR

This study compares physical and AR-based card games to improve ASHA workers' training in child immunization in India, finding AR enhances engagement and knowledge retention.

Contribution

It introduces and evaluates AR-based playful training tools for ASHAs, demonstrating their effectiveness over physical versions in health worker education.

Findings

AR-based play improves learning outcomes and engagement.

Knowledge retention is higher with AR-based training.

AR tools are more effective for conceptual understanding.

Abstract

Recent health surveys in India highlight the alarming child malnutrition levels and lower rates of complete child immunization in many parts of India. Previous researches report that the conventional training pedagogy of the CHWs (Community Healthcare Workers) or the ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) in India is ineffective in enhancing their capacity. Considering that the CHWs are getting equipped with smartphones, it calls for a rethinking of their training pedagogy using the ICT approach. Two refresher training tools were developed to make learning the child immunization schedule more exciting and conceptually engaging for ASHAs. The physical and AR (Augmented Reality) versions of designed card games were compared for effectiveness and knowledge retention, pre, and post-intervention through questionnaire tests conducted immediately before and after playing multiple sessions. The AR-based play was found to be better in learning and knowledge retention with more engagement, mainly due to its interactive and intuitive nature of play.