Authors: Ronewa Suzan Tshikomana, Mokholelana Margaret Ramukumba
In this qualitative study, researchers collected data from 28 CHWs in North West Province in South Africa. Authors aimed to explore how an mHealth application, Mobenzi, impacted community health work before its termination. Focus group discussions were conducted with 24 CHWs and four outreach team leaders. From the discussions, three main themes emerged. Firstly, participants reported that the transition from paper-forms to Mobenzi supported their daily tasks and roles. Additionally, CHWs felt that Mobenzi provided critical support in monitoring of CHW activities. Finally, participants reported that, following the sudden termination of Mobenzi, the transition back to a paper-based system was demotivating and affected daily performance. Overall, authors concluded that mHealth technologies have the potential to strengthen community health work, justifying advocacy on increasing government resources to enhance currently limited mHealth implementation.
Link: Implementation of mHealth applications in community-based health care: Insights from Ward-Based Outreach Teams in South Africa
Resource Topic: Community Health Workers/Volunteers, Implementation, mHealth and Technology
Resource Type: Research
Year: 2022
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: South Africa
Publisher May Restrict Access: No