Abstract
BackgroundThe value of digital health technologies in delivering vital health care interventions, especially in low resource settings is increasingly appreciated. We co-developed and tested a decision support mobile health (m-Health) application (app);with some of the forms used by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya to collect data and connected to health facilities. This paper explores the experiences of CHVs, health workers and members of Sub-County Health Management Teams following implementation of the project.MethodsData were collected in December 2017 through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with CHVs and key informant interviews with health care workers and health managers in Kamukunji sub-County of Nairobi, Kenya. Data coding and analysis was performed in NVivo 12.ResultsRegarding users and health managers’ perceptions towards the system; three main themes were identified: 1) variations in use, 2) barriers to use and 3) recommendations to improve use. Health workers at the private facility and some CHVs used the system more than health workers at the public facilities. Four sub-themes under barriers to use were socio-political environment, attitudes and behaviour, issues related to the system and poor infrastructure. A prolonged health workers’ strike, the contentious presidential election in the year of implementation, interrupted electricity supply and lack of basic electric fixtures were major barriers to use. Suggestions to improve usage were: 1) integration of the system with others in use and making it available on users’ regular phones, and 2) explore sustainable motivation models to users as well as performance based remuneration.ConclusionsThe findings reveal the importance of considering the readiness of information and communication technologies (ICT) users before rollout of ICT solutions. The political and sociocultural environment in which the innovation is to be implemented and integration of new solutions into existing ones is critical for success. As more healthcare delivery models are developed, harnessing the potential of digital technologies, strengthening health systems is critical as this provides the backbone on which such innovations draw support.
Highlights
The value of digital health technologies in delivering vital health care interventions, especially in low resource settings is increasingly appreciated
The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of Community health volunteer (CHV), health workers and members of Sub-County Health Management Teams following implementation of the project in a bid to highlight challenges and opportunities presented by such processes in this and similar settings
The project worked with seven community units (CUs), five health facilities and a dedicated team of 50 CHVs served as the intervention group in Kamukunji
Summary
The value of digital health technologies in delivering vital health care interventions, especially in low resource settings is increasingly appreciated. There is growing evidence of the value of digital technologies in promoting access to healthcare. The growing benefits of digital health are evident in patient management, research, and support to low cadre health workers, including community health volunteers, data collection and analysis, disease surveillance, among other uses. This is important in low resource settings [2]. The EAC health secretariat, through the ministers’ of health has called on countries to implement e-health strategies, with a recommendation that the East African Science and Technology Commission conduct a regional e- health readiness assessment [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
