Abstract
Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) in rural communities are typically conducted using paper surveillance. The purpose of this project was to implement tablet technology and train local community health promoters to streamline CHNA data collection in the DR communities served by a medical mission. A local information technology (IT) consultant developed software. Researchers recorded observations from training of health promoters and college students during project implementation. Twelve health promoters and local college students trained on the use of tablets and conducting CHNAs. Generational gaps in IT literacy, learning, and communication styles varied. Insufficient access to WiFi and inefficient implementation by trainees resulted in unreliable data. Outcomes were mixed and highlighted the need for continued troubleshooting. Improving effort to bridge the educational and digital gap among trainees requires authentic ownership of CHNAs among global health partners