Trainees’ experience and expectations of cerebrocardiac health advisors training programs in China: a mixed-method study

Background Cerebrocardiac health advisors (CHAs) play a pivotal role in coordinating neuro-cardiovascular care. However, systematic trainee-centered evaluations of training programs remain scarce. Understanding their experiences and expectations is essential for evidence-based program optimization and strengthening the frontline public health workforce. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted in Hubei Province, China, including 126 survey respondents and 11 interviewees. Quantitative data were collected using a validated cross-sectional survey (content validity index = 0.96) to assess training necessity, content needs, and acceptability. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled trainees and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results Most trainees recognized training as necessary (98.41%, 124/126) and were willing to participate (97.62%, 123/126). Stroke screening and prevention was rated the most essential curriculum component, whereas stroke research received the lowest priority. Although 97.62% ( n = 123) rated the program highly, key areas for improvement were identified. Qualitatively, four themes emerged: training duration should be more reasonable, training content should be more comprehensive, training should be stratified, and training methodology should be more interactive and diverse. Conclusion This study reveals strong trainee demand for professional development while identifying critical gaps in current CHA training. Evidence-based recommendations include extending training duration, expanding curricular scope, implementing competency-tiered instruction, and integrating interactive pedagogies. These findings provide policymakers with actionable insights to align CHA training with frontline practice needs, which may ultimately improve the quality of cerebrocardiovascular care coordination.