Mark Tomlinson1, Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus2, Tanya Doherty3, Dallas Swendeman2, Alexander C Tsai4, Petrida Ijumba3, Ingrid le Roux5, Debra Jackson6, Jackie Stewart1, Andi Friedman7, Mark Colvin8, Mickey Chopra9. 1. Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. 2. Global Center for Children and Families, University of California at Los Angeles. 3. Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, South Africa. 4. Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholars Program, Harvard University ; Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital. 5. Philani Nutrition and Development Project, South Africa. 6. Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, South Africa ; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. 7. Clyral, South Africa. 8. Maromi Health Research, South Africa. 9. Chief of Health, UNICEF, New York.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We will be unable to achieve sustained impact on health outcomes with community health worker (CHW)-based interventions unless we bridge the gap between small scale efficacy studies and large scale interventions. Effective strategies to support the management of CHWs are central to bridging the gap. Mobile phones are broadly available, particularly in low and middle income countries (LAMIC's), where the penetration rate approaches 100%. In this article we describe how mobile phones may be combined with mobile web-based technology to assist in the management of CHWs in two projects in South Africa. METHODS: This paper is a descriptive one, drawing lessons from two Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT's), outlining how a mobile phone information system can be utilized to enhance the quality of health interventions. We organized our comprehensive management and supervision system around a previously published management framework. The system is composed of mobile phones utilized by CHWs and a web-based interface utilized by CHW supervisors. Computerized algorithms were designed with intervention and assessment protocols to aid in the real-time supervision and management of CHWs. RESULTS: CHWs used mobile phones to initiate intervention visits and trigger content to be delivered during the course of intervention visits. Supervisors used the web-based interface for real-time monitoring of the location, timing, and content of intervention visits. Additional real-time support was provided through direct support calls in the event of crises in the field. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone-based information system platforms offer significant opportunities to improve CHW-delivered interventions. The extent to which these efficiency gains can be translated into realized health gains for communities is yet to be tested.
INTRODUCTION: We will be unable to achieve sustained impact on health outcomes with community health worker (CHW)-based interventions unless we bridge the gap between small scale efficacy studies and large scale interventions. Effective strategies to support the management of CHWs are central to bridging the gap. Mobile phones are broadly available, particularly in low and middle income countries (LAMIC's), where the penetration rate approaches 100%. In this article we describe how mobile phones may be combined with mobile web-based technology to assist in the management of CHWs in two projects in South Africa. METHODS: This paper is a descriptive one, drawing lessons from two Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT's), outlining how a mobile phone information system can be utilized to enhance the quality of health interventions. We organized our comprehensive management and supervision system around a previously published management framework. The system is composed of mobile phones utilized by CHWs and a web-based interface utilized by CHW supervisors. Computerized algorithms were designed with intervention and assessment protocols to aid in the real-time supervision and management of CHWs. RESULTS: CHWs used mobile phones to initiate intervention visits and trigger content to be delivered during the course of intervention visits. Supervisors used the web-based interface for real-time monitoring of the location, timing, and content of intervention visits. Additional real-time support was provided through direct support calls in the event of crises in the field. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone-based information system platforms offer significant opportunities to improve CHW-delivered interventions. The extent to which these efficiency gains can be translated into realized health gains for communities is yet to be tested.
Entities:
Keywords:
Mobile phones; community health workers; management; scale up; supervision
Authors: Luis Huicho; Miguel Dávila; Miguel Campos; Christopher Drasbek; Jennifer Bryce; Cesar G Victora Journal: Health Policy Plan Date: 2005-01 Impact factor: 3.344
Authors: J M Kelly; B Osamba; R M Garg; M J Hamel; J J Lewis; S Y Rowe; A K Rowe; M S Deming Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2001-10 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Andy Haines; David Sanders; Uta Lehmann; Alexander K Rowe; Joy E Lawn; Steve Jan; Damian G Walker; Zulfiqar Bhutta Journal: Lancet Date: 2007-06-23 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: Alexander C Tsai; Mark Tomlinson; Sarah Dewing; Ingrid M le Roux; Jessica M Harwood; Mickey Chopra; Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus Journal: Arch Womens Ment Health Date: 2014-03-30 Impact factor: 3.633
Authors: Alastair van Heerden; Danielle M Harris; Heidi van Rooyen; Ruanne V Barnabas; Nithya Ramanathan; Nkosinathi Ngcobo; Zukiswa Mpiyakhe; W Scott Comulada Journal: Soc Sci Med Date: 2017-04-26 Impact factor: 4.634
Authors: Joan Rosenbaum Asarnow; Kimberly E Hoagwood; Terry Stancin; John E Lochman; Jennifer L Hughes; Jeanne M Miranda; Tim Wysocki; Sharon G Portwood; John Piacentini; Douglas Tynan; Marc Atkins; Anne E Kazak Journal: J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol Date: 2015
Authors: Kristin J Hung; Mark Tomlinson; Ingrid M le Roux; Sarah Dewing; Mickey Chopra; Alexander C Tsai Journal: Int J Gynaecol Obstet Date: 2014-04-02 Impact factor: 3.561
Authors: Ayomide Owoyemi; Joanne I Osuchukwu; Clark Azubuike; Ronald Kelechi Ikpe; Blessing C Nwachukwu; Cassandra B Akinde; Grace W Biokoro; Abisoye B Ajose; Ezechukwu Ikenna Nwokoma; Nehemiah E Mfon; Temitope O Benson; Anthony Ehimare; Daniel Irowa-Omoregie; Seun Olaniran Journal: Front Digit Health Date: 2022-06-03
Authors: Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus; Mark Tomlinson; Ingrid M le Roux; Jessica M Harwood; Scott Comulada; Mary J O'Connor; Robert E Weiss; Carol M Worthman Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-10-23 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Alexander C Tsai; Jennifer A Scott; Kristin J Hung; Jennifer Q Zhu; Lynn T Matthews; Christina Psaros; Mark Tomlinson Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-12-10 Impact factor: 3.240