Endline study of digital health innovation for COVID-19 response in India using mixed methods
Client Name: Terre Des Homme, India Delegation Office
Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Background Context: Terre des Hommes (TDH) partnered with Dimagi (software development company) to develop a mobile application for use by the Health Care Workers (HCWs) to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have developed the CommCare application and WhatsApp chatbot for use by the Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) to gather data and enable case management and follow-ups, while also building their own capacities for COVID-19 management in Ranchi district in Jharkhand.
Objectives
Development Solutions was commissioned to conduct an end-line study to assess the improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the ANMs with respect to the CommCare App & WhatsApp chatbot and COVID-19 case management. The study intended to assess the following:
- Community Health Worker:
- To assess the improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) with respect to the mobile application and COVID-19 safety measures on case management.
- To assess the impact of the digital app provided by TDH on the practice of health workers on identification, referral and follow-up.
- To assess adherence to safety protocols as per training.
- Health Administration and Support:
- To measure the effectiveness of supervision and support provided by health administration.
- To understand the use of WhatsApp bot for problem-solving.
- To understand contextual barriers and other related factors for supporting HCWs.
- Community:
- To capture the experience of community members in getting service.
- To assess the satisfaction levels of community members.
Approach and Methodology
- Method/ Design: A Mixed-methods cross-sectional study was undertaken in three blocks of Ranchi (Angara, Namkum and Ratu), where the innovation was implemented. Purposive sampling was undertaken to select the ANMs, community members and health officials. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ANMs and community members and in-depth interviews with ANMs and health officials.
- Key Respondents/ Informants: The key respondents for this study were the ANMs, Health Care Officials, and community members of the three blocks of Ranchi district- Angara, Namkum and Ratu.
- Key Areas of Inquiry: Knowledge, attitude, and practices of COVID-19 safety measures and case management, use of the mobile app and chatbot support, contextual barriers with technology adoption and use of the app, community members’ experience and satisfaction levels with ANM services and challenges faced by them, whether program intervention helped facilities deliver quality services and comply with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards to respond to COVID-19 pandemic
- Sample: 73
Impact
The report was developed and published as a best practices document, released by the NACO for integrated digital management of diagnosis and treatment of people living with HIV, in the health system.
Contact
17/109, Lower Ground Floor, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi – 110024