scholarly journals Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Bakibinga ◽  
Eva Kamande ◽  
Lyagamula Kisia ◽  
Milka Omuya ◽  
Dennis J Matanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Health Volunteers ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Health Managers

Abstract Background: The 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); an integrated data capture tool running as a mobile app with selected reporting forms for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya 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.Methods: Data 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.Results: Regarding 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. Conclusions: The 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.

scholarly journals Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Bakibinga ◽  
Eva Kamande ◽  
Lyagamula Kisia ◽  
Milka Omuya ◽  
Dennis J Matanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Health Volunteers ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Health Managers

Abstract Background: The 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.Methods: Data 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.Results: Regarding 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. Conclusions: The 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.

scholarly journals Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Bakibinga ◽  
Eva Kamande ◽  
Lyagamula Kisia ◽  
Milka Omuya ◽  
Dennis J Matanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Health Volunteers ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Health Managers

Abstract Background The 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. Methods Data 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. Results Regarding 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. Conclusions The 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.

scholarly journals Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Bakibinga ◽  
Eva Kamande ◽  
Lyagamula Kisia ◽  
Milka Omuya ◽  
Dennis J. Matanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Health Volunteers ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Health Managers

Abstract Background The 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. Methods Data 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. Results Regarding 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. Conclusions The 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.

scholarly journals Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Bakibinga ◽  
Eva Kamande ◽  
Lyagamula Kisia ◽  
Milka Omuya ◽  
Dennis J Matanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Health Volunteers ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Health Managers

Abstract Background: The 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); an integrated data capture tool running as a mobile app with selected reporting forms for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya 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.Methods: Data were collected in December 2017 through in-depth interviews (health workers and CHVs) and key informant interviews (health managers) and focus group discussions (CHVs) working in Kamukunji sub-County of Nairobi, Kenya. Data coding and analysis was performed in NVivo 12.Results: Regarding 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) provision of extra financial motivation for users as well as performance based remuneration. Conclusions: The 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.

Bringing Community Health Workers into the Mainstream of U.S. Health Care

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Pittman ◽  
Anne Sunderland ◽  
Andrew Broderick ◽  
Kevin Barnett
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers

scholarly journals Brazil’s Community Health Workers Practicing Narrative Medicine: Patients’ Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogério Meireles Pinto ◽  
Rahbel Rahman ◽  
Margareth Santos Zanchetta ◽  
W. Galhego-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Narrative Medicine ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
Care Providers

Abstract Background Narrative medicine (NM) encourages health care providers to draw on their personal experiences to establish therapeutic alliances with patients of prevention and care services. NM medicine practiced by nurses and physicians has been well documented, yet there is little understanding of how community health workers (CHWs) apply NM concepts in their day-to-day practices from patient perspectives. Objective To document how CHWs apply specific NM concepts in Brazil’s Family Health Strategy (FHS), the key component of Brazil’s Unified Health System. Design We used a semi-structured interview, grounded in Charon’s (2001) framework, including four types of NM relationships: provider–patient, provider–colleague, provider–society, and provider–self. A hybrid approach of thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 27 patients. Key Results Sample: 18 females; 13 White, 12 “Pardo” (mixed races), 12 Black. We found: (1) provider–patient relationship—CHWs offered health education through compassion, empathy, trustworthiness, patience, attentiveness, jargon-free communication, and altruism; (2) provider–colleague relationship—CHWs lacked credibility as perceived by physicians, impacting their effectiveness negatively; (3) provider–society relationship—CHWs mobilized patients civically and politically to advocate for and address emerging health care and prevention needs; (4) provider–self relationship—patients identified possible low self-esteem among CHWs and a need to engage in self-care practices to abate exhaustion from intense labor and lack of resources. Conclusion This study adds to patient perspectives on how CHWs apply NM concepts to build and sustain four types of relationships. Findings suggest the need to improve provider–colleague relationships by ongoing training to foster cooperation among FHS team members. More generous organizational supports (wellness initiatives and supervision) may facilitate the provider–self relationship. Public education on CHWs’ roles is needed to enhance the professional and societal credibility of their roles and responsibilities. Future research should investigate how CHWs’ personality traits may influence their ability to apply NM.

scholarly journals AVALIAÇÃO DA AUTO-CONCEPÇÃO DE SAÚDE BUCAL DE UM MUNICÍPIO CLASSIFICADO COMO DE EXTREMA POBREZA NO ESTADO DO CEARÁ

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vandré Taumaturgo Mesquita ◽  
Patricia Alexandra Martinez ◽  
Evamiris Landim Vasques ◽  
Viviane Gonçalves Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Real Situation ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Poor Access ◽  
Accurate Perception

The oral health of a population was assessed by questionnaires applied in order to gain knowledge about the real situation of SUS when it comes to dental services. We conducted 400 interviews in Reriutaba-CE on the oral health of these individuals. The research used the community health workers as the group responsible for delivering the forms. The questionaries were distributed throughout the county in regard to the sample. It has been found that in spite of this population sample’s poor access to dental services, they have a fairly accurate perception regarding self oral health, indicating that new health policies may experience positive outcomes regarding oral health care.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitudes of tuberculosis management in San Juan de Lurigancho district of Lima, Peru

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 783-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Kiefer ◽  
Theresa Shao ◽  
Olveen Carrasquillo ◽  
Pamela Nabeta ◽  
Carlos Seas
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
San Juan ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes

Background: Expansion of the health care workforce in Peru to combat tuberculosis (TB) includes both professional health care providers (HCPs) such as doctors and nurses, and non-professional HCPs such as community health workers (CHWs). We describe the knowledge and attitudes of these HCPs, and identify modifiable barriers to appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment.  Methodology: We surveyed HCPs practicing in 30 clinical settings (hospitals, community health centers, and health posts) in the San Juan de Lurigancho district of Eastern Lima, Peru. Multiple-choice questions were used to assess knowledge of TB. A five-item Likert scale was created to assess attitudes toward the community, patients, and clinics. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of mean knowledge score, and analysis of variance was used to test differences in HCP score.  Results: Of the 73 HCPs surveyed, 15% were professionals (doctors or nurses). The remaining 85% were health technicians, community health workers (CHWs) or students. The mean knowledge score was 10.0 ± 1.9 (maximum 14) with professional HCPs scoring higher than other HCPs (11.7 ± 1.1 vs. 9.7 ± 1.9), p < .01). Knowledge gaps included identification of patients at high risk for TB, assessment of treatment outcomes, and consequences of treatment failure. The most commonly cited modifiable barriers were structural, including laboratory facilities and staffing of TB clinics, with 52.1% and 62.5% of HCPs, respectively, citing these as problematic.  Conclusions: Efforts to improve knowledge of TB HCPs in Peru should focus on the specific gaps we have identified. Further research is needed to evaluate whether these knowledge gaps correlate with TB control.     

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