Implementation of a peer support intervention to promote the detection, reporting and management of adverse drug reactions in people living with HIV in Uganda: a protocol for a quasi-experimental study

Kiguba, Ronald; Ndagije, Helen Byomire; Nambasa, Victoria; Katureebe, Cordelia; Zakumumpa, Henry; Nanyonga, Stella Maris; Ssanyu, Jacquellyn Nambi; Tregunno, Phil; Harrison, Kendal; Merle, Corinne; Raguenaud, Marie-Eve; Kitutu, Freddy Eric

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056039

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 33 publications

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“…We therefore plan a two-armed (mobile app, no mobile app) cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT). Based on our experience, during rollout of the RCT [ 26 ]; (1) mobile wireless routers should be supplied to field teams for internet hotspots to health workers at intervention sites, (2) power banks should be made available to circumvent the challenge of low phone battery charge, (3) wherever possible, software upgrades should be applied to older compatible smartphones that have technical support, (4) phone space should be created to ensure the successful download of Med Safety and, (5) for the first 6 months, monthly reminders to report ADRs should be sent to health workers to be enrolled in the large-scale RCT, e.g., by SMS and WhatsApp [ 27 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Facilitators and Barriers to Uptake of the Med Safety Mobile App for Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting by Health Workers in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Kiguba

Zakumumpa

Ndagije³

et al. 2023

Drug Saf

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Introduction Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important public health challenge worldwide; however, pharmacovigilance systems are plagued by under-reporting. Mobile technologies, including mobile applications such as Med Safety, could strengthen ADR reporting. We explored the acceptability, and factors that could influence uptake of, Med Safety for ADR reporting by health workers in Uganda. Methods The study took place between July and September 2020 in 12 HIV clinics in Uganda and employed a qualitative exploratory research design. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews and 3 mixed-gender focus group discussions (49 participants) with a diverse range of health workers. We analysed the data using a thematic approach. Results There was goodwill among the health workers to adopt Med Safety for ADR reporting and the majority would recommend the app to other health workers. Training with practice increased acceptability of the app. Uptake of the app was favoured by the younger, technology proficient, health worker demographic; the app's offline and two-way risk communication functionalities; availability of free internet hotspots at some health facilities; goodwill and willingness of health workers to report ADRs; and the cumbersome nature of conventional ADR reporting tools. Potential barriers to the uptake of Med Safety were the perceived lengthy processes of initial app registration and completion of multiple screens during ADR reporting; challenges with health workers’ smartphones (incompatibility with application, no space for more applications, low battery charge); high cost of internet data; poor internet connectivity; difficulty in recognising ADRs, language barrier and poor feedback to ADR reporters. Conclusion There was goodwill among the health workers to adopt Med Safety for ADR reporting and the majority would recommend the app to other health workers. Training with practice increased acceptability of the app and should be integral in all future app roll-out campaigns. The identified facilitators and barriers could be used to appropriately guide future research and implementation to promote the uptake of Med Safety for pharmacovigilance in low- and middle-income countries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40264-023-01303-6.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%