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

• DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.20398/v4
• Publication Date: 2020-09-03T22:28:22Z
• Authors: Pauline Bakibinga; Eva Kamande; Lyagamula Kisia; Milka Omuya; Dennis J Matanda; Catherine Kyobutungi
• Keywords: Digital Health; Community Health

Abstract Background: The value of digital health technologies in delivering vital care interventions, especially low resource settings is increasingly appreciated. We co-developed and tested a decision support mobile (m-Health) application (app);with some the forms used by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) Kenya to collect data connected facilities. This paper explores experiences CHVs, workers members Sub-County Management Teams following implementation project. Methods: Data were collected December 2017 through in-depth interviews focus group discussions with CHVs key informant managers Kamukunji sub-County Nairobi, Kenya. coding analysis was performed NVivo 12. Results: Regarding users managers’ perceptions towards system; three main themes identified: 1) variations use, 2) barriers use 3) recommendations improve use. at private facility system more than public Four sub-themes under socio-political environment, attitudes behaviour, issues related poor infrastructure. A prolonged workers’ strike, contentious presidential election year implementation, interrupted electricity supply lack basic electric fixtures major Suggestions usage were: integration others making it available on users’ regular phones, explore sustainable motivation models as well performance based remuneration. Conclusions: findings reveal importance considering readiness information communication (ICT) before rollout ICT solutions. political sociocultural environment which innovation be implemented new solutions into existing ones critical for success. As healthcare delivery are developed, harnessing potential technologies, strengthening systems this provides backbone such innovations draw support.