Maria Cole M.P.H.

Cole, M., K. Froehlich-Grobe, S. Driver, R. Shegog and J. McLaughlin (2019). “Website Redesign of a 16-Week Exercise Intervention for People With Spinal Cord Injury by Using Participatory Action Research.” JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 6(2): e13441.

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BACKGROUND: People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at higher risk for numerous preventable chronic conditions. Physical activity is a protective factor that can reduce this risk, yet those with SCI encounter barriers to activity and are significantly less likely to be active. Limited evidence supports approaches to promote increased physical activity for those with SCI. OBJECTIVE: Building upon our previous theory- and evidence-based approach to increase participation in regular physical activity for those with SCI, this study aimed to use a participatory action research approach to translate a theory-based intervention to be delivered via the Web to individuals with SCI. METHODS: A total of 10 individuals with SCI were invited to participate in consumer input meetings to provide the research team with iterative feedback on an initial website designed as a platform for delivering a theory-based exercise intervention. RESULTS: A total of 7 individuals with SCI whose average age was 43.6 years (SD 13.4) and lived an average age of 12.5 years (SD 14.9) with SCI met on 2 occasions to provide their feedback of the website platform, both on the initial design and subsequently on the revamped site. Their iterative feedback resulted in redesigning the website content, format, and functionality as well as delivery of the intervention program. CONCLUSIONS: The substantially redesigned website offers an easier-to-navigate platform for people with SCI with greater functionality that delivers information using a module format with less text, short video segments, and presents more resources. Preliminary testing of the site is the next step.

Allen, C. G., J. N. Brownstein, M. Cole, G. Hirsch, S. Williamson and E. L. Rosenthal (2018). “Building a Framework for Community Health Worker Skills Proficiency Assessment to Support Ongoing Professional Development.” J Ambul Care Manage 41(4): 298-307.

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Although community health workers (CHWs) continue to gain credibility and recognition in the health care and public health sectors, there is still a need to expand workforce identity and development efforts, including identifying best practices for assessing CHW skill proficiencies. During this qualitative study, we interviewed 32 CHWs, trainers, and supervisors to understand current practice, perspectives, and perceived importance in assessing CHW skills and guiding principles for CHW skill assessment. Results from these interviews can be used to inform CHW workforce development to enhance efforts among those who are actively building CHW programs or who are considering improvements in strategies to assess CHW skill proficiencies.

Allen, C. G., J. N. Brownstein, M. Cole, G. Hirsch, S. Williamson and E. L. Rosenthal (2018). “Building a Framework for Community Health Worker Skills Proficiency Assessment to Support Ongoing Professional Development.” J Ambul Care Manage Jun 19. [Epub ahead of print].

Full text of this article.

Although community health workers (CHWs) continue to gain credibility and recognition in the health care and public health sectors, there is still a need to expand workforce identity and development efforts, including identifying best practices for assessing CHW skill proficiencies. During this qualitative study, we interviewed 32 CHWs, trainers, and supervisors to understand current practice, perspectives, and perceived importance in assessing CHW skills and guiding principles for CHW skill assessment. Results from these interviews can be used to inform CHW workforce development to enhance efforts among those who are actively building CHW programs or who are considering improvements in strategies to assess CHW skill proficiencies.