Perceptions of the Feasibility and Practicalities of Text Messaging-Based Infectious Disease Surveillance: A Questionnaire Survey.

Linh Thuy Dang,Peter Katona,Nguyen Cong Vu,Cuong Kieu Nguyen,Spencer L James,Thiem Dinh Vu,Joseph M Rosen,Lindsay Katona

doi:10.2196/mhealth.4509

Linh Thuy Dang, Peter Katona + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.4509

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Abstract

BackgroundIn Vietnam, infectious disease surveillance data are collected via a paper-based system through four government tiers leading to a large delay. Meanwhile, mobile phones are abundant and very popular in the country, and known to be a useful tool in health care worldwide. Therefore, there is a great potential for the development of a timely disease surveillance system through the use of mobile phone short message service (SMS) text messages.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore insights about the feasibility and practicalities of the utilization of SMS text messaging-based interventions in disease-reporting systems by identifying potential challenges and barriers in the text messaging process and looking at lessons learned.MethodsAn SMS text messaging-based disease tracking system was set up in Vietnam with patient reports texted by clinic staff. Two 6-month trials utilizing this disease tracking system were designed and implemented in two northern provinces of Vietnam to report two infectious diseases: diarrhea and influenza-like illness. A structured self-reported questionnaire was developed to measure the feasibility and practicalities of the system from the participants. On the completion of the second trial in 2013, participating health staff from 40 commune health centers in the two pilot provinces were asked to complete the survey (N=80).ResultsMost participants were female (61%, 49/80) and nearly half (44%, 35/80) were heads of a commune health center. Approximately two-thirds (63%, 50/80) of participants retained the basic structure of the SMS text message report and there was a strong influence (OR 28.2, 95% CI 5.3-151.2) of those people on the time they spent texting the information. The majority (88%, 70/80) felt the information conveyed in the SMS text message report was not difficult to understand. Most (86%, 69/80) believed that they could report all 28 infectious diseases asked for by the Ministry of Health by using SMS text messaging.ConclusionsFrom a health center staff perspective, a disease-reporting system utilizing text messaging technology is easy to use and has great potential to be implemented and expanded nationwide. The survey showed positive perceptions and feedback from the participants and contributed to a promising practical solution to improve the surveillance system of infectious disease in Vietnam.

Highlights

The project partners are building in rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the project by, for example, linking calls to the helpline to PCM text messages through the use of distinct phone numbers that allow organizers to verify the number of calls generated by the program
According to Andre Erthal, Head of Community Group at the Nokia Technology Institute, “If the field agents do not see the device as part of their work or have difficulties in using it, it may severely damage the overall success of the implementation
Technological innovations will bring enhanced benefits, in the areas of data collection, patient monitoring, and remote diagnostic and treatment support, where application development is already proceeding at breakneck speed

Summary

Objectives

Project Masiluleke is designed to make more people aware of their HIV status because in South Africa, onequarter of the population is estimated to be infected with HIV, but less than 3% know their status. The broader goal of the program is to have those infected receive treatment and to halt the spread of the disease. Initial results from a beta test of the project indicated that it helped to nearly triple call volume to the helpline in the three weeks during which it ran. The project partners are building in rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the project by, for example, linking calls to the helpline to PCM text messages through the use of distinct phone numbers that allow organizers to verify the number of calls generated by the program. Once the project is operating successfully, the system will be expanded to provide information about TB resources and treatment.

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