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):  
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):  
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.

scholarly journals Telehealth for Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: A Hybrid Telemedicine-Community Accompaniment Model for Abortion and Contraception Services in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irum Shaikh ◽  
Stephanie Andrea Küng ◽  
Hina Aziz ◽  
Samina Sabir ◽  
Ghulam Shabbir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Telehealth Service

The COVID-19 pandemic led overburdened health care systems to deprioritize essential sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraception care, while accelerating shifts in healthcare delivery to digital technologies. However, in many countries, including Pakistan, inequalities in access to digital technologies remain, presenting an opportunity for interventions that both increase access to deprioritized sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and overcome the digital divide in delivering digital solutions to those in need of SRHR services. In June 2020, Ipas Pakistan partnered with Sehat Kahani (SK), a local health care NGO and telehealth service, and an existing network of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) to launch a novel hybrid telemedicine-community accompaniment pilot. The model linked women via LHWs with mobile devices to online providers for telemedicine consultations for SRH, including abortion services, contraception, and other gynecological consultations. In June 2020, we trained 98 LHWs and 22 telehealth doctors. Between June 2020 and March 2021, a total of 176 women were referred by LHWs for telehealth consultations. Among women who received abortion services, nearly all (90%) reported complete uterine evacuation. No serious adverse events were reported. Overall satisfaction was high; 81% reported being satisfied, and 86% said it is likely they would recommend the telehealth service to others. Data show that the provision of SRHR services via a telehealth-accompaniment model can be successfully implemented in Pakistan. Outcome data show high satisfaction and good clinical outcomes for women accessing care through this model. However, more data are needed to understand the full potential of this model. Barriers to digital health models, such as poor or inconsistent internet access, remain in places like Pakistan, especially in rural settings. This approach has its limitations but should be considered as an option in settings with similarly established community health networks and inequitable access to digital health.

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.

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