Objective
To describe the adaptation, preparation, and implementation of a multilevel course to strengthen health personnel capacity related to the surveillance cycle for events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization (ESAVI) in Nicaragua.
Methods
A descriptive study was developed based on the implementation of a multilevel course aimed at national and municipal managers of the Expanded Program on Immunization and Epidemiology. The educational strategy included virtual learning, peer-to-peer learning, and pedagogical mediation with certified tutors. The process was structured in three phases: organization (definition of educational aspects), preparation (training of tutors and development of didactic material), and implementation. It was divided into two editions: the first included virtual seminars and practical classes with case-problems, while the second condensed the content and applied peer-to-peer learning. Perceptions were assessed through an online survey.
Results
A total of 88% (184 participants) completed all course activities. The survey results reflected positive perceptions of different aspects of the course that facilitated learning and communication: topics (97%, n= 156), case studies (96%, n= 155), practical classes (95%, n= 153), teaching resources (92%, n= 148), evaluation (89%, n= 143), and the use of Zoom (87.7%, n=141) and WhatsApp (92.5%, n= 149). The main strengths mentioned were useful information, professional growth, and the relevance of the topics. The main difficulties mentioned were the schedule for the course activities and Internet access and quality.
Conclusions
The Nicaraguan experience contextualizes the multilevel educational strategy through case studies and the use of available technology, highlighting the virtual modality and pedagogical mediation as key elements for capacity building in municipalities.