A digital mental health tool, Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus (TA-PM+), was developed to help lady health workers (LHWs) in Pakistan support women with common mental health disorders. The process involved reviewing evidence, consulting stakeholders, and testing usability in both lab and community settings. Challenges included low digital skills, high workloads, and … [Read more...] about A Digital Tool (Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus) for Lay Health Workers to Address Common Mental Health Disorders: Co-production and Usability Study in Pakistan
Pakistan
Association of clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infections identified by community health workers with mortality of young infants in South Asia: a prospective, observational cohort study
This study aimed to understand how certain signs in young infants, like poor feeding or lack of movement, can predict the risk of death. Community health workers (CHWs) in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan visited infants regularly to check for these signs. The study found that signs like no movement, poor feeding, and low body temperature were strongly linked to a higher risk of … [Read more...] about Association of clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infections identified by community health workers with mortality of young infants in South Asia: a prospective, observational cohort study
A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
In rural Pakistan, where mental health specialists are scarce, a mobile app-based mental health program called mPareshan was tested with Lady Health Workers (LHWs). The study found that using LHWs to deliver mental health support is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Communities trusted LHWs for this role, and their familiarity with smartphones made the program easier to … [Read more...] about A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
This study explores using artificial intelligence to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing cough sounds. The researchers developed a system that first distinguishes between coughs and background noise, then classifies the cough as either TB-related or not. They collected cough recordings from patients at a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, and tested the system using various … [Read more...] about A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
A multi-phase structured cascade model for mass training of community healthcare workers in performing clinical breast exams in remote regions
A pilot training program in Pakistan used a cascade model to teach outreach healthcare workers (HCWs) in remote areas how to perform clinical breast exams (CBEs). Six HCWs were trained by breast surgeons, who then trained 15 more HCWs. The program significantly improved HCWs' confidence and skills, with gains sustained over a year. This model shows promise for expanding access … [Read more...] about A multi-phase structured cascade model for mass training of community healthcare workers in performing clinical breast exams in remote regions