Contraception. 2016 Mar 30. pii: S0010-7824(15)30019-6.
An evaluation of a family planning mobile job aid for community health workers in Tanzania
Braun R, Lasway C, Agarwal S, L'Engle K, Layer E, Silas L, Mwakibete A and Kudrati M
Abstract
Objectives: The global rapid growth in mobile technology provides unique opportunities to support Community Health Workers (CHWs) in providing family planning (FP) services. FHI 360, Pathfinder International, and D-tree International developed an evidence-based mobile job aid to support CHW counseling, screening, service provision and referrals, with mobile client and service data forms, and text-message reporting and reminders. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and potential benefits to service quality, from the perspective of CHWs and their clients.
Study design: The mobile job aid was piloted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data collection tools included a demographic survey of all 25 CHWs trained to use the mobile job aid, in-depth interviews with 20 of the CHWs after three months, and a survey of 176 clients who received FP services from a CHW using the mobile job aid after six months.
Results: Both CHWs and their clients reported the mobile job aid was a highly acceptable FP support tool. CHWs perceived benefits to service quality, including timelier and more convenient care, better quality of information, increased method choice, and improved privacy, confidentiality and trust with clients. Most clients discussed multiple FP methods with CHWs; only one in 10 clients reported discussion of all nine methods.
Conclusions: This research suggests that mobile phones can be effective tools to support CHWs with FP counseling, screening and referrals, data collection and reporting, and communication. Challenges remain to support informed contraceptive choice. Future research should focus on implementation, including scale-up and sustainability.
Implications: Mobile job aids can uniquely enhance FP service provision at the community level, through adherence to standard protocols, real-time feedback and technical assistance, and provision of confidential care. This study can inform future efforts to support and expand the role of CHWs in increasing FP access and informed contraceptive choice.
Comment: As you already can see from the existence of GLOWM, we are now in the digital age. There are apps available for many uses and a mobile job aid, like the one developed in Tanzania for family planning, helps many women to have choice and to have good and up-to-date information. (HMV)
