The M-CARE Ghana team successfully organized a one-day training workshop for Research Assistants (RAs) on 23 June 2026 at Yakam Hotel, Kintampo, in preparation for the upcoming Health Facility Assessment (HFA) Ground Truthing Exercise. The training formed part of the preparatory activities for implementing the M-CARE Project in Ghana and aimed to equip Research Assistants with the knowledge and practical skills required to conduct high-quality health facility assessments. The workshop brought together members of the M-CARE Ghana research team and Research Assistants who will support the implementation of the project across the selected study sites.
The training commenced with an overview of the M-CARE Project delivered by Dr. Gordon Amoh, who introduced participants to the project’s vision of strengthening integrated primary healthcare for individuals living with multiple long-term conditions. His presentation highlighted the growing burden of multimorbidity, particularly cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dyslipidaemia, alongside common mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Participants were introduced to the project’s integrated care model, which builds on the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) and the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to improve the quality of care delivered at the primary healthcare level. The session also outlined the project’s key implementation, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness outcomes.
A second session was facilitated by Dr. Solomon Nyame, Senior Research Fellow at the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC), who provided comprehensive training on research ethics. Participants were taken through the fundamental ethical principles that guide research involving human participants, including respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The session further emphasized the importance of informed consent, confidentiality, professionalism, participant safety, and responsible data management in ensuring the integrity and credibility of research activities.
The practical component of the training was led by Mr. Abdul Razak Nuhu, Data Analyst at KHRC, who introduced participants to the SurveyCTO electronic data collection platform that will be used during the Health Facility Assessment Ground Truthing Exercise. Research Assistants received hands-on training on navigating the electronic questionnaire, completing data collection forms, maintaining data quality, and implementing quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate and reliable data collection throughout the exercise.
The workshop was highly interactive, providing participants with ample opportunities to ask questions, discuss field scenarios, and seek clarification on various aspects of the study procedures. The discussions enhanced participants’ understanding of the project objectives and strengthened their confidence in undertaking field activities. Following the training sessions, the Research Assistants were organized into five field teams to facilitate coordinated implementation of the ground truthing exercise across the study sites.
The successful completion of the training marks an important milestone in the implementation of the M-CARE Project in Ghana. Equipped with a solid understanding of the project objectives, ethical research conduct, and electronic data collection procedures, the Research Assistants are now well prepared to undertake the Health Facility Assessment Ground Truthing Exercise. The findings from the Health Facility Assessment Ground Truthing Exercise will provide valuable insights into the current capacity and readiness of primary healthcare facilities, helping to inform the design, adaptation, and implementation of the M-CARE intervention in Ghana.
M-CARE Ghana field workers during training for the Health Facility Assessment Ground Truthing Exercise in Kintampo
M-CARE Ghana field workers during training for the Health Facility Assessment Ground Truthing Exercise in Kintampo
