scholarly journals An Unstructured Supplementary Service Data System for Daily Tracking of Patient Samples and Diagnostic Results in a Diagnostic Network in Malawi: System Development and Field Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Killian ◽  
Emma Gibson ◽  
Mphatso Kachule ◽  
Kara Palamountain ◽  
Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Diagnostics in many low- and middle-income countries are conducted through centralized laboratory networks. Samples are collected from patients at remote point-of-care health facilities, and diagnostic tests are performed at centralized laboratories. Sample transportation systems that deliver diagnostic samples and test results are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment in such diagnostic networks. However, they often lack the timely and accurate data (eg, the quantity and location of samples prepared for collection) required for efficient operation. OBJECTIVE This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility, adoption, and accuracy of a distributed data collection system that leverages basic mobile phone technology to gather reports on the quantity and location of patient samples and test results prepared for delivery in the diagnostic network of Malawi. METHODS We designed a system that leverages unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) technology to enable health workers to submit daily reports describing the quantity of transportation-ready diagnostic samples and test results at specific health care facilities, free of charge with any mobile phone, and aggregate these data for sample transportation administrators. We then conducted a year-long field trial of this system in 51 health facilities serving 3 districts in Malawi. Between July 2019 and July 2020, the participants submitted daily reports containing the number of patient samples or test results designated for viral load, early infant diagnosis, and tuberculosis testing at each facility. We monitored daily participation and compared the submitted USSD reports with program data to assess system feasibility, adoption, and accuracy. RESULTS The participating facilities submitted 37,771 reports over the duration of the field trial. Daily facility participation increased from an average of 50% (26/51) in the first 2 weeks of the trial to approximately 80% (41/51) by the midpoint of the trial and remained at or above 80% (41/51) until the conclusion of the trial. On average, more than 80% of the reports submitted by a facility for a specific type of sample matched the actual number of patient samples collected from that facility by a courier. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a USSD-based system is a feasible, adoptable, and accurate solution to the challenges of untimely, inaccurate, or incomplete data in diagnostic networks. Certain design characteristics of our system, such as the use of USSD, and implementation characteristics, such as the supportive role of the field team, were necessary to ensure high participation and accuracy rates without any explicit financial incentives.

10.2196/26582 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. e26582
Author(s):  
Daniel Killian ◽  
Emma Gibson ◽  
Mphatso Kachule ◽  
Kara Palamountain ◽  
Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh ◽  
...  

Background Diagnostics in many low- and middle-income countries are conducted through centralized laboratory networks. Samples are collected from patients at remote point-of-care health facilities, and diagnostic tests are performed at centralized laboratories. Sample transportation systems that deliver diagnostic samples and test results are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment in such diagnostic networks. However, they often lack the timely and accurate data (eg, the quantity and location of samples prepared for collection) required for efficient operation. Objective This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility, adoption, and accuracy of a distributed data collection system that leverages basic mobile phone technology to gather reports on the quantity and location of patient samples and test results prepared for delivery in the diagnostic network of Malawi. Methods We designed a system that leverages unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) technology to enable health workers to submit daily reports describing the quantity of transportation-ready diagnostic samples and test results at specific health care facilities, free of charge with any mobile phone, and aggregate these data for sample transportation administrators. We then conducted a year-long field trial of this system in 51 health facilities serving 3 districts in Malawi. Between July 2019 and July 2020, the participants submitted daily reports containing the number of patient samples or test results designated for viral load, early infant diagnosis, and tuberculosis testing at each facility. We monitored daily participation and compared the submitted USSD reports with program data to assess system feasibility, adoption, and accuracy. Results The participating facilities submitted 37,771 reports over the duration of the field trial. Daily facility participation increased from an average of 50% (26/51) in the first 2 weeks of the trial to approximately 80% (41/51) by the midpoint of the trial and remained at or above 80% (41/51) until the conclusion of the trial. On average, more than 80% of the reports submitted by a facility for a specific type of sample matched the actual number of patient samples collected from that facility by a courier. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a USSD-based system is a feasible, adoptable, and accurate solution to the challenges of untimely, inaccurate, or incomplete data in diagnostic networks. Certain design characteristics of our system, such as the use of USSD, and implementation characteristics, such as the supportive role of the field team, were necessary to ensure high participation and accuracy rates without any explicit financial incentives.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Altaras ◽  
Anthony Nuwa ◽  
Bosco Agaba ◽  
Elizabeth Streat ◽  
James K. Tibenderana ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selina Ansah-Koi

Abstract Background Ghana has adopted the policy of diagnostically testing for malaria before treatment. The Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) is used to diagnose malaria especially in lower health facilities like Health Centers (HC) and Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds without microscopy. Studies have shown that clinicians do not always adhere to negative malaria test results of the RDT and prescribe anti-malarials. Methods Quantitative aspect focused on how malaria is diagnosed and adherence to negative rapid diagnostic test results using the consulting room register and patients’ folder of six health facilities within the period of July to September 2015. In-depth interviews using purposive sampling was conducted for 14 health workers at Health Centers and CHPS compounds to find out their perceptions about malaria RDT and reasons for adherence or non-adherence to test results.Results Of the six health facilities in the Agona East District, 3.87% (14/362) were presumptively diagnosed with malaria whiles 96.10% (348/362) were diagnosed with malaria using RDT.For those tested with RDT, 15.25% tested negative and 84.75% tested positive. Of those who tested negative, 20.75% were given anti-malarials and 79.25% did not receive anti-malarials. Health workers perceived the Malaria RDT kit as easy to use and also as making work easier. Testing is done mainly because it is a policy. Conclusion The malaria testing rate in the Agona East District is higher than that at the National level. Health Centers compared to CHPS compounds are likely to treat for malaria in cases of a negative test result. There is also high adherence to negative test results. Health workers perceive the RDT as a useful tool which has made malaria diagnosis easy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didas Tugumisirize ◽  
Stavia Turyahabwe ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Stella Zawedde Muyanja ◽  
Robert Kaos Majwala ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundEffective implementation of Tuberculosis infection control (TB IC) measures in health facilities delivering TB care services is very critical in controlling nosocomial transmission of TB infections among health workers, patients and their attendants. The aim of the study was to assess and document the implementation of TB IC practices in TB diagnostic and treatment health facilities in Kampala District, which accounts for 15-20% of the total TB burden in Uganda.MethodsIn August 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 25 health facilities including 07 Public and 18 Private healthcare facilities in Kampala. We used a modified checklist adopted from the national manual for implementing TB control measures in health care facilities. We reviewed health facility records and where necessary observed TB IC practices to triangulate our findings. We conducted univariate analysis and generated proportions in order to describe the extent of implementation of TB IC measures.ResultsOn average, 73% of both administrative and managerial, 65% environmental, and 56% personal protective TB IC measures were complied with at the health facilities visited. Private health facilities implemented 71% of both administrative and managerial TBIC measures compared to public health facilities (31%). Thirty Six percent of health facilities reported that they were regularly screening health care workers for TB. By Observation, 28% had TB IC guideline, 36% had TB IC plan, 12% had a designated area for sputum collection, 56% were regularly opening windows, 40% had fans installed in the waiting areas and/or consultation rooms and 24% had bio-safety cabinets fitted with UV light. In addition, 60% had N95 respirators but only 32% of the facilities reported that their health workers routinely wore them.ConclusionImplementation of WHO recommended TB IC measures in health facilities delivering TB care services in Kampala was sub optimal. Routine involvement of health facility management as well as increasing human resources for health is critical in implementing easy to do TBIC measures like triaging, patients’ educating on coughing etiquette and respiratory hygiene and daily window opening particularly in public health care settings where implementation of administrative TB IC measures is wanting


Author(s):  
Rahmi Septia Sari

Fasilitas kesehatan merupakan pelayanan yang sangat penting bagi masyarakat. Pelayanan kesehatan adalah tulang punggung fasilitas kesehatan di Indonesia. Fasilitas kesehatan bisa dimiliki oleh Pemerintah, Pemerintah Daerah atau swasta. Tenaga kesehatan terdiri dari beragam profesi seperti tenaga dokter, bidan, perawat, apoteker, ahli gizi, tenaga perekam medis, tenaga manajemen kesehatan maupun tenaga non kesehatan. Pasien yang datang ke fasilitas kesehatan pun memiliki beragam jenis penyakit mulai dari penyakit menular sampai penyakit degeneratif. Oleh karena itu, dalam hal ini dilakukan penyusun alur dan prosedur pendaftaran pasien sehingga pelayanan berlangsung baik. Salah satu kriteria penilaian akreditasi pada suatu fasilitas kesehatan adalah tersedianya informasi tentang alur prosedur pendaftaran pelayanan saat pasien mendaftar di loket pendaftaran. Kejelasan informasi yang diterima pasien akan memberikan rasa puas terhadap pasien. Kesan pertama di loket pendaftaran akan membentuk persepsi pasien terhadap keseluruhan pelayanan di fasilitas kesehatan. Tujuan kegiatan ini menyediakan media informasi untuk edukasi pasien saat mendaftar tentang alur dan prosedur pelayanan di loket pendaftaran. Metode yang lakukan adalah observasi ke fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan, identifikasi dan analisis kebutuhan media informasi, perencangan media informasi, ujicoba media, sosialisasi, dan evaluasi. Hasil yang diperoleh tersedianya media informasi dalam bentuk banner tentang alur prosedur pelayanan di fasilitas kesehatan. Kata Kunci: Media, Alur prosedur pendaftaran, Bidan praktek mandiri ABTRACT Health facilities are very important services for the community. Health services are the backbone of health facilities in Indonesia. Health facilities can be owned by the Government, Local Government or private. Health workers consist of various professions such as doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, medical record workers, health management personnel and non-health workers. Patients who come to health facilities also have a variety of diseases ranging from infectious diseases to degenerative diseases. Therefore, here I am trying to develop a flow and procedure for patient registration. One of the criteria for evaluating accreditation at a health facility is the availability of information about the flow of the procedure for registering services when patients register at the registration counter. Clarity of information received by the patient will give satisfaction to the patient. First impressions at the registration window will shape the patient's perception of the overall service in the health facility. The purpose of this activity is to provide information media for patient education when registering the flow and procedure of service at the registration counter. The method used is observation to health care facilities, identification and analysis of media information needs, information media planning, media testing, outreach, and evaluation. The results obtained are the availability of information media in the form of banners about the flow of service procedures in health facilities. Keywords: Media, Registration procedure flow, Midwife independent practice


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-73
Author(s):  
Tamima Athmani ◽  
Dr. Mary Kipmerewo ◽  
John Arudo

Purpose: The study sought to ascribe cause of maternal mortality in Homa Bay County Kenya. Materials and Method: Data was collected by 40 trained community health workers who were residents of each sub county. Data for the retrospective study was collected using a standardized WHO verbal autopsy questionnaire. All maternal deaths which occurred between 2015 and 2019 in the county were identified. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used in data analysis. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated. P value of less than 0.05 was used to establish statistical significance. Results: The results show that 73.6% of the deaths occurred in a health facility with 20.7% occurring at home. Majority (70.7%) of the mothers visited health facilities during the last illness preceding death. 13.6% received treatment at home while 9.3% were seen by traditional healers. Expert review of the 140 reported deaths reported the leading causes of maternal deaths as obstetric haemorrhage (31.4%), HIV/AIDS (10.7% and abortion (10%). Although the results were not statistically significant, a higher proportion of community deaths attributed to obstetric hemorrhage (31.8%) and abortion-related causes (35.7%). A higher proportion of housewives in Homa Bay died at home, though all the socio-demographic and health-related variables analyzed were not significantly correlated with community deaths. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The need for improving the quality of care offered in different health care facilities, the department should also create an enabling environment and ensure a fully functional referral pathway between health facilities in the county. There is therefore need of increasing age of marriage through the practice of family planning methods and avoidance of home treatment and traditional healers. Further research can be done on causes of maternal deaths with a larger sample size.


Author(s):  
C. T. Oluwadare ◽  
A. A. Olorunfemi ◽  
A. S. Atiba ◽  
O. A. Ijabadeniyi

Aim: To undertake a comparative assessment of healthcare access of people in Ekiti and Kogi States of Nigeria. This further provided hard data for health program development towards attainment of universal health coverage and health sustainable development goal. Study Design: A comparative research design was employed using questionnaire for data collection. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Ekiti and Kogi States of Nigeria representing Southern and Northern parts of the nation. The fieldwork was conducted in October and December 2019. Methodology: Multistage sampling technique was used starting from random selection of one local government area from each of the three senatorial districts in the two states. From each of the local government areas, five political wards were randomly selected from the existing number of wards. From the selected wards, equal number of 144 sampled respondents were contacted for the structured interviews to make 856 administered copies of questionnaire. Results: Most of the respondents could identify available health care facilities in their environment. However about 70 percent patronized secondary health facilities in Ekiti State while tertiary health facilities were visited mostly in Kogi State. Costs of health care is higher in Kogi compared to Ekiti State. 49% of Ekiti have a challenge in paying for treatment compared to 69% in Kogi State while from the two states, only about 19% have health insurance coverage. Respondents in Ekiti State experience strike actions of health workers than those in Kogi State. On appropriateness, Ekiti state has better scores while Kogi State has better score in acceptability. Conclusion: Pronounced challenge to healthcare access is unaffordability of health care as a result of very low health insurance scheme coverage in the two states through Ekiti State has better indicators of quality healthcare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gede Wirabuana Putra ◽  
Pujiyanto Pujiyanto

AbstrakProgram Keluarga Harapan (PKH) memiliki tujuan untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup masyarakat yang diukur melalui Indeks Pembangunan Manusia (IPM) dan Tingkat ketimpangan pengeluaran penduduk Indonesia (Gini Ratio) dengan salah satu indicator yang diakomodir adalah pemanfaatan pelayanan kesehatan. Pada tahun 2018 masih ada 16 % persalinan tidak menggunakan fasilitas kesehatan. Salah satu Komponen kesehatan yang diwajibkan sebagai Keluarga Penerima manfaat (KPM) PKH adalah ibu hamil wajib bersalin di fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah melihat pengaruh PKH terhadap pemanfaatan fasilitas kesehatan untuk bersalin di Indonesia. Metode penelitian ini adalah quasi-eksperimental degan desain cross sectional yang menggunakan data Susenas tahun 2018 dengan jumlah sampel 28.785 ibu berumur 15-49 tahun yang pernah melahirkan anak lahir hidup terakhir pada periode dua tahun sebelum survei dilaksanakan dan status ekonomi yang berada pada desil 1- 3. Analisis menggunakan metode Propensity Score Matching (PSM) dengan model Logit untuk melihat nilai OR. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukan bahwa PKH meningkatkan pemanfaatan bersalin di fasilitas kesehatan. Penerima PKH memiliki peluang 1,23 kali lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan non-penerima PKH, setelah dilakukan kontrol pada variabel lainnya. Implementasi PKH memiliki manfaat yang cukup baik, beserta faktor pendukung dominan lainnya yaitu wilayah tempat tinggal, pendidikan, alat koumnikasi, sarana transportasi dan JKN-PBI dalam rangka membantu masyarakat terutama penduduk miskin dan rentan untuk memanfaatkan fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan untuk bersalin.Abstract Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) aims to improve the standard of living of the people as measured through the Human Development Index (IPM) and the level of inequality in expenditure of the Indonesian population (Gini Ratio) by accommodating the utilization of health services as one of the indicator. In 2018 there are still 16% of deliveries that were not performed by trained health workers at healthcare facilities. One health component that is required as a PKH Beneficiary Family (KPM) is that pregnant women are required to deliver in a health care facility. The purpose of this study is to look at the effect of PKH on the use of health facilities for childbirth in Indonesia.The Methods that used in this study is a quasi-experimental with cross sectional design using Susenas data in 2018 with a total sample of 28,785 mothers aged 15-49 years who had given birth to live births in the period of two years before the survey and economic status in deciles 1-3. The analysis uses the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method with the Logit model that looks at the OR value. The Results is PKH increased maternity utilization in health facilities. PKH recipients have a 1.23 times higher chance than non-PKH recipients, after controlling for other variables. PKH implementation has quite good benefits, along with other dominant supporting factors, namely the area of residence, education, communication tools, transportation facilities and JKN-PBI in order to help the community, especially the poor and vulnerable, to utilize health care facilities for delivery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darlington Chigori ◽  
Kim Viljoen ◽  
Mari Ford ◽  
Liezel Cilliers

Orientation: Mobile devices are becoming a popular means to access the Internet and conduct e-banking activities. Banks are marketing e-banking solutions to increase their customer base.Research purpose: This study contrasts how the service quality of mobile phone applications and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data banking influence customer loyalty. The study examined e-service quality to validate and determine the nature of the relationship of the proposed model.Motivation for the study: The study was conducted in a mobile banking (MB) setting in South Africa, with a technologically savvy young adult population. To win customer loyalty, banks need to provide innovative solutions to this group of clients.Research approach/design and method: A positivistic paradigm with a quantitative approach and descriptive design was adopted for this study. A convenience sampling method was used to distribute a questionnaire to 300 students, with a response rate of 73%.Main findings: The findings showed that fulfilment, privacy and efficiency were all significantly related to overall service quality and customer loyalty for both banking models. Based on the findings, privacy, fulfilment and efficiency are critical facets to both MB applications and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data banking.Practical/managerial implications: Banks need to target ‘unbanked’ customers to register for a bank account via Unstructured Supplementary Service Data banking or MB applications.Contribution/value-add: However, there is still a lack of knowledge about these services among the population. Therefore, banks need to educate potential and existing customers on these products and services to fully exploit the market segments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Dita Fajrianti ◽  
Esti Yunitasari ◽  
Retnayu Pradanie

Introduction: The influence of parenting, the scope and quality of health services, the environment, and food are the leading causes of stunting. This study aims to analyze the correlation between personal reference and health facilities with parenting in stunting prevention in Madura East Java.Methods: The design of this study was a cross-sectional study. The population in this study were mothers who had children aged 6-24 months in Madura East Java with 149 mothers and obtained a sample of 109 mothers selected using a purposive sampling technique. The independent variable was the personal reference and health facilities. At the same time, the dependent variable was parenting in stunting prevention. The data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire has been a validity and reliability test. This study was analyzed using the Spearman rho test with a significance level α <0.05.Results: Personal reference have a correlation in parenting in stunting prevention with significance (p=0.017; r=0.228) Health care facilities have a correlation in parenting in stunting prevention with significance (p=0.020; r=0.222)Conclusion: Personal reference and health facilities have a significant role in parenting in stunting prevention. Health workers are expected to be able to provide interventions that are compatible with stunting prevention factors to reduce the incidence of stunting in Indonesia. The more complete health facilities to provide information about pediatric health, the more capable the mother to provide prevention in stunting on children.


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