The role of information and communication technologies in the delivery of health services in rural communities: Experiences from Malawi

Abstract

Background: In recent years, Africa has experienced a boom in information and communication technologies (ICTs). These ICTs have been hailed by the health sector as impetus for heath service delivery in rural areas. In this regard, stakeholders in the health sector have made attempts to reinforce frontline health workers with technological tools. Although there is much evidence that ICTs play a key role in the health sector, it remains unknown how the health sector in Malawi is exploiting ICTs in its delivery of day-to-day operations.Objectives: In this study, we investigate the role that ICTs play in rural health. This study will specifically determine the purposes that health surveillance assistants (HSAs) use ICTs for, assess the ICT skills and expertise of HSAs, analyse benefits of ICTs and study the problems faced by HSAs in the effective use of ICTs.Method: In this study, a quantitative research method approach was adopted to address the research objectives. Both research sites and respondents were selected using a convenient sampling method. We self-administered and collected the questionnaire from the respondents. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data.Results: We find that HSAs have made headways in the adoption of various forms of ICTs such as mobile phones alongside their applications (Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp). However, efforts to maximise the appropriation of ICTs by HSAs are punctuated by various hindrances including high cost of ICT gadgets, high cost of Internet bundles, inadequate training in ICTs and lack of support from senior management in the Ministry of Health.Conclusion: Use of ICTs in community health is slowly but surely possible. In a nutshell, the study has shown that, regardless of perceivable hindrances associated with use of ICTs, HSAs use some ICTs in their work and personal activities. It is evident that using mobile phones to improve performance is an important area and that there is little interest in evaluating such interventions.

Tecnologia de informação e comunicação na saúde: revisão integrativa

“…O artigo 11, por outro lado, apresenta uma contrapartida a esse respeito. Ele descreve que nas nações em desenvolvimento, as condições de saúde são muito ruins e é um problema desafiador o uso das TICs, principalmente em prestação de serviços de saúde para pessoas que vivem em áreas rurais e remotas 20 .…”

“…O estudo revelou ainda que os aplicativos informal e os profissionais são desencorajados a usálos para fins de trabalho 20 .…”

Healthcare Delivery Systems in Rural Areas

“…These systems can help in making immediate and urgent healthcare decisions in these areas [37]. Information and Communication technologies improve accessibility to primary health care needs, maximizes service delivery, transfer and sharing of appropriate technology for instruction, training, continued education of healthcare service providers is also maximized in rural and remote areas [39,40].…”

New Approaches for Improved Service Delivery in Rural Settings

“…Improvements in technology and new approaches to organising healthcare delivery are occurring quickly. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now integrated into existing facilities to stimulate development and enhance service delivery [48]. For example, ICT is integrated into service delivery to manage conditions, monitor progress, improve patients' health, and use reminders for clinic New Approaches for Improved Service Delivery in Rural Settings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101705 appointments and service uptake, disaster management, and emergency.…”

“…About half of most countries live in rural areas with a high disease burden and are always left behind during planning and budgetary allocation. Nyasulu and Chawinga pointed out that 11% of the world's population is projected to be in Africa, with a global disease burden estimated to be 22% [48]. To take care of this population, additional 1.5 million health workers must fill the existing human resource for health gap.…”