This study tested a program to help older adults use wearable health monitors regularly by providing support from professionals and peers. Over three months, participants received guidance through home visits and WhatsApp check-ins. Results showed the program was effective: participants felt more confident, had lower anxiety, and used the devices more consistently than those … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of the Support From Community Health Workers and Health Care Professionals on the Sustained Use of Wearable Monitoring Devices Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
mHealth and Technology
“I prefer a doctor on camera than none at all”: Participants’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Integrated Telehealth and Community Health Workers Services to Improve Access to Healthcare in Rural Communities
This study explored how telehealth services (THS) and community health workers (CHWs) could improve healthcare in Culebra, Puerto Rico, a rural area with limited resources and high rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Interviews with 20 patients showed that CHWs are essential for helping with appointments, medications, and emotional support. THS was seen as … [Read more...] about “I prefer a doctor on camera than none at all”: Participants’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Integrated Telehealth and Community Health Workers Services to Improve Access to Healthcare in Rural Communities
Feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool to support community-based screening for COVID-19 and other priority medical conditions across rural and peri-urban communities in Guinea
In Guinea, community health workers used a digital tool and rapid diagnostic tests to bring essential health screenings to rural and peri-urban communities. They tested over 5,200 people for conditions like malaria, COVID-19, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar, with many cases being diagnosed for the first time. The digital tool successfully recorded test results in … [Read more...] about Feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool to support community-based screening for COVID-19 and other priority medical conditions across rural and peri-urban communities in Guinea
Hypertensive myocardial disease screening in low-income settings using smartphone-based technologies: a prospective multicenter trial
A pilot study tested the use of a low-cost smartphone ECG device, D-Heart, combined with blood pressure monitoring for cardiovascular (CV) screening in rural Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda. Community health workers screened 950 patients, identifying CV issues such as hypertension and abnormal ECGs. Results showed 18% of patients needed hospital referrals, with common diagnoses … [Read more...] about Hypertensive myocardial disease screening in low-income settings using smartphone-based technologies: a prospective multicenter trial
Development of a Digital Program for Training Community Health Workers in the Detection and Referral of Schizophrenia in Rural India
This study aimed to create and evaluate a digital training program for community health workers (CHWs) in rural India to identify and refer patients with schizophrenia. The program was developed through expert review and CHW feedback, focusing on simplifying content and incorporating interactive elements. CHWs recognized the importance of early detection and treatment for … [Read more...] about Development of a Digital Program for Training Community Health Workers in the Detection and Referral of Schizophrenia in Rural India