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Parthasarathi A, George T, Kalimuth MB, Jayasimha S, Kaleem Ullah M, Patil R, Nair A, Pai U, Inbarani E, Jacob AG, Chandy V, John O, Sudarsanam TD, Mahesh PA. Exploring the potential of telemedicine for improved primary healthcare in India: a comprehensive review. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024; 27:100431. [PMID: 38957222 PMCID: PMC11215096 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Telemedicine is a promising solution to the challenges of delivering equitable and quality primary healthcare, especially in LMICs. This review evaluated peer-reviewed literature on telehealth interventions in Indian primary care published from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2021, from PubMed, Scopus, TRIP, Google Scholar, Indian Kanoon, and Cochrane database The majority of Indian studies focus on key health issues like maternal and child health, mental health, diabetes, infectious diseases, and hypertension, mainly through patient education, monitoring, and diagnostics. Yet, there's a lack of research on telemedicine's cost-effectiveness, communication among providers, and the role of leadership in its quality and accessibility. The current research has gaps, including small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies, which hamper the evaluation of telemedicine's effectiveness. India's varied healthcare landscape, technological limitations, and social factors further challenge telemedicine's adoption. Despite regulatory efforts, issues like the digital divide and data privacy persist. Addressing these challenges with a context-aware, technologically driven approach is crucial for enhancing healthcare through telemedicine in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwaghosha Parthasarathi
- Rutgers University Institute for Health, Healthcare Policy, and Aging Research, The State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Tina George
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sudhindra Jayasimha
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohammed Kaleem Ullah
- Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (A DST-FIST Supported Center), Department of Biochemistry (A DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore 570015, India
- Division of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rutuja Patil
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India
| | - Ajay Nair
- Swasth Digital Health Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Urvi Pai
- Swasth Digital Health Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Esther Inbarani
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anil G. Jacob
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, New Delhi, India
| | - V.J. Chandy
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Oommen John
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Padukudru Anand Mahesh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSSAHER, Mysore, Karnataka 570015, India
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Manapurath R, Raran Veetil D, Kamath MS. Use of modern technologies for promoting health at the population level in India. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024; 23:100338. [PMID: 38404518 PMCID: PMC10885787 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
India, with a population of 1.4 billion, faces health equity challenges due to inaccessible public health systems, particularly in rural areas. Modern technologies like the internet and mobile phones are being used to bridge this gap, enhancing health equity by disseminating vital health information. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) evaluates these technologies, influencing healthcare policy and improving health outcomes. Key strategies include digital health hubs, mobile health units, public-private partnerships, and digital tools for community health workers. To scale these interventions, capacity building, infrastructure development, community engagement, and monitoring are required. Policymakers are urged to prioritize investments in health technologies based on evidence, considering cost-effectiveness, health outcomes, and health equity. Addressing data privacy and security is crucial. Future research should focus on technology-based interventions for maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukman Manapurath
- Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mohan S. Kamath
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India
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Prabhune A, Bhat S, Mallavaram A, Mehar Shagufta A, Srinivasan S. A Situational Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Digital Health Research Initiatives in South Asia. Cureus 2023; 15:e48977. [PMID: 38111408 PMCID: PMC10726017 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to evaluate and compare the quantity and sustainability of digital health initiatives in the South Asia region before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a two-step methodology of (a) descriptive analysis of digital health research articles published from 2016 to 2021 from South Asia in terms of stratification of research articles based on diseases and conditions they were developed, geography, and tasks wherein the initiative was applied and (b) a simple and replicable tool developed by authors to assess the sustainability of digital health initiatives using experimental or observational study designs. The results of the descriptive analysis highlight the following: (a) there was a 40% increase in the number of studies reported in 2020 when compared to 2019; (b) the three most common areas wherein substantive digital health research has been focused are health systems strengthening, ophthalmic disorders, and COVID-19; and (c) remote consultation, health information delivery, and clinical decision support systems are the top three commonly developed tools. We developed and estimated the inter-rater operability of the sustainability assessment tool ascertained with a Kappa value of 0.806 (±0.088). We conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on digital health research with an improvement in the number of digital health initiatives and an improvement in the sustainability score of studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Prabhune
- Health and Information Technology, Institute of Health Management Research, Bangalore, IND
| | - Sachin Bhat
- Health and Information Technology, Institute of Health Management Research, Bangalore, IND
| | | | | | - Surya Srinivasan
- Health and Information Technology, Institute of Health Management Research, Bangalore, IND
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Kumar P, Das C, Das U, Kumar A, Priyam N, Ranjan V, Sahu D, Rai SK, Godbole SV, Arumugam E, PVM L, Dutta S, Devi HS, Pandey A, Reddy DCS, Mehendale S, Rajan S. Augmenting progress on the elimination of vertical transmissions of HIV in India: Insights from Spectrum-based HIV burden estimations. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002270. [PMID: 37556441 PMCID: PMC10411776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The government of India has adopted the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV as one of the five high-level goals under phase V of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP). In this paper, we present the data from HIV estimations 2021 for India and select States detailing the progress as well as the attributable causes for vertical transmissions. The NACP spearheads work on mathematical modelling to estimate HIV burden based on the periodically conducted sentinel surveillance for guiding program implementation and policymaking. Using the results of the latest round of HIV Estimations in 2021, we analysed the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) during the perinatal and postnatal (breastfeeding) period. In 2021, overall, around 5,000 [3,000-7,800] vertical transmissions were estimated nationally with 58% being perinatal infections and remaining during breastfeeding. MTCT at 6 weeks was around 12.95% [9.45-16.02] with the final transmission rate at 24.25% [18.50-29.50]. Overall, 57% of vertical transmissions were among HIV-positive mothers who did not receive ART during pregnancy or breastfeeding, 19% among mothers who dropped off ART during pregnancy or delivery, and 18% among mothers who were infected during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There were significant variations between States. Depending upon the States, the programme needs to focus on the intervention domains of timely engagement in antenatal care-HIV testing-ART initiation as well as programme retention and adherence support. Equally important would be strengthening the strategic information to generate related evidence for inputting India and State-specific parameters improving the MTCT-related modelled estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Chinmoyee Das
- National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Udayabhanu Das
- National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Arvind Kumar
- National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Nidhi Priyam
- National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Varsha Ranjan
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Medical Statistics, New Delhi, India
| | - Damodar Sahu
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Medical Statistics, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay K. Rai
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sheela V. Godbole
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Elangovan Arumugam
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, India
| | - Lakshmi PVM
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shanta Dutta
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Arvind Pandey
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Medical Statistics, New Delhi, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sanjay Mehendale
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
- PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, India
| | - Shobini Rajan
- National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
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Mukose AD, Bastiaens H, Makumbi F, Buregyeya E, Naigino R, Musinguzi J, Van Geertruyden JP, Wanyenze RK. Challenges and commonly used countermeasures in the implementation of lifelong antiretroviral therapy for PMTCT in Central Uganda: Health providers' perspective. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280893. [PMID: 36662894 PMCID: PMC9858842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uganda has implemented lifelong antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission since September 2012. Implementation of this strategy has been met with health provider and client challenges which have persisted up to date. This study explored providers' perspectives on the challenges and countermeasures of the implementation and scale-up of lifelong ART among pregnant and breastfeeding women. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted whereby 54 purposively selected participants from six facilities in three districts of Central Uganda namely; Masaka, Mityana, and Luwero were recruited. A key informant interview guide was used to collect data from the study participants. The data were thematically analysed using Atlas-ti, Version 7. RESULTS Study participants reported challenges under the themes of 1) inadequacy of HIV service delivery (lack of relevant training, health provider shortages, inadequate counselling, stock-outs of essential HIV commodities); 2) Non-utilization of HIV services (Non-disclosure of HIV- positive results, denial of HIV positive results, fear to be followed up, unwillingness to be referred, large catchment area, lack of transport); and 3) Suboptimal treatment adherence (fear of ART side effects, preference for traditional medicines, low male partner involvement in care and treatment). Strategies such as on-job training, mentorship, task shifting, redistribution of HIV commodities across facilities, accompanying of women to mother-baby care points, ongoing counseling of women, peers, and family support groups were commonly used countermeasures. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights key challenges that health providers face in implementing lifelong antiretroviral therapy services among pregnant and postpartum women. Context-specific, innovative, and multilevel system interventions are required at national, district, health facility, community and individual levels to scale up and sustain the lifelong antiretroviral therapy strategy among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggrey David Mukose
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Bastiaens
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fredrick Makumbi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Buregyeya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rose Naigino
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Bellad RM, Mahantshetti NS, Charantimath US, Ma T, Washio Y, Short VL, Chang K, Lalakia P, Jaeger FJ, Kelly PJ, Mungarwadi G, Karadiguddi CC, Goudar SS, Derman RJ. A training curriculum for an mHealth supported peer counseling program to promote exclusive breastfeeding in rural India. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:6. [PMID: 36658581 PMCID: PMC9850503 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite strong evidence about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, that is the baby receiving only breast milk, no other foods or liquids, rates have remained relatively unchanged over the past two decades in low- and middle-income countries. One strategy for increasing exclusive breastfeeding is through community-based programs that use peer counselors for education and support. The use of mobile health applications is also gaining increasing applicability in these countries. Minimal information is available about training peer counselors in the use of mobile technologies to support exclusive breastfeeding. The present article describes our curriculum in the state of Karnataka, India for supporting new mothers to exclusively breastfeed using a mobile health application in rural India. METHODS Twenty-five women from the community surrounding the city of Belgavi, Karnataka, India were trained to be peer counselors and to use a mobile health application to conduct a structured curriculum to support new mothers in exclusive breastfeeding. The three-day interactive training, conducted in March 2018, was based on the WHO breastfeeding course, translated, and adapted to the local culture The curriculum, which included information collected during a formative research process, consisted of eight visits, two during the antenatal period and continuing for six months postpartum. Twelve nursing and obstetric experts validated curriculum content. Pre-post-evaluation of the training focused on breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, skills, and app usability. RESULTS We observed a significant increase in the mean scores for knowledge (P < 0.0001) and skills (P = 0.0006) from pre- to post-training. Age of the peer counselors and their own breastfeeding experience correlated significantly with the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The mobile health app showed high usability scores. CONCLUSIONS The culturally adapted curriculum presented here, combined with an mHealth app, can be an important educational strategy for training rural women in the acquisition of exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa M Bellad
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Niranjana S Mahantshetti
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Umesh S Charantimath
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Tony Ma
- Benten Technologies Inc, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Yukiko Washio
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vanessa L Short
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katie Chang
- Benten Technologies Inc, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Parth Lalakia
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Geetanjali Mungarwadi
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Shivaprasad S Goudar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Mugaba AT, Asasira J, Katusiime J, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Mugyenyi GR, Haberer JE. A mobile health app may improve maternal and child health knowledge and practices among rural women with limited education in Uganda: a pilot randomized controlled trial. JAMIA Open 2022; 5:ooac081. [PMID: 36225894 PMCID: PMC9542753 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This article describes the impact of a mobile health app (MatHealth App) on maternal and child health knowledge and practices among women with limited education. Materials and methods Pregnant women initiating antenatal care (ANC) were randomized (1:1) to the MatHealth App versus routine care. Participants were followed until 6 weeks after delivery. Questionnaires for assessing knowledge and practices were administered to participants from both arms at baseline and endline. Using logistic regression, we estimated the difference in odds of having maternal health knowledge. We reviewed clinic records to capture maternal health practices. Results Of the 80 enrolled participants, 69 (86%) completed the study with a median follow-up of 6 months. Women in the MatHealth arm had 8.2 (P = .19), 3.6 (P = .14), and 6.4 (P = .25), respectively higher odds of knowing (1) the recommended gestation period for starting ANC, (2) the recommended number of ANC visits, and (3) the timing and frequency of recommended human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, respectively, compared to those in the routine care arm. All women in the MatHealth App arm exclusively breastfed their babies, and brought them at 6 weeks for HIV testing, compared to the routine care arm. Just over half of the women attended at least 4 prenatal visits across the 2 arms. The main reason for noncompliance to ANC appointments was a lack of transport to the clinic. Discussion and conclusion The app increased knowledge and practices although not reaching statistical significance. Future efforts can focus on addressing social and economic issues and assessing clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Corresponding Author: Angella Musiimenta, PhD, Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 653, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Esther C Atukunda
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Aaron T Mugaba
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Justus Asasira
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jane Katusiime
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Raphael Zender
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niels Pinkwart
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Medicine Department, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Stellata AG, Rinawan FR, Winarno GNA, Susanti AI, Purnama WG. Exploration of Telemidwifery: An Initiation of Application Menu in Indonesia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710713. [PMID: 36078428 PMCID: PMC9517915 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The midwifery continuity-of-care model improves the quality and safety of midwifery services and is highly dependent on the quality of communication and information. The service uses a semi-automated chatbot-based digital health media service defined with the new term "telemidwifery". This study aimed to explore the telemidwifery menu content for village midwives and pregnant women in the Purwakarta Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The qualitative research method was used to explore with focus group discussion (FGD). The data collection technique was purposive sampling. The research subjects were 15 village midwives and 6 multiparous pregnant women. The results of this study involved 15 characteristics of menu content: (1) Naming, (2) Digital Communication, (3) Digital Health Services, (4) Telemidwifery Features, (5) Digital Check Features, (6) Media Services, (7) Attractiveness, (8) Display, (9) Ease of Use, (10) Clarity of Instructions, (11) Use of Language, (12) Substances, (13) Benefits, (14) Appropriateness of Values, and (15) Supporting Components. The content characteristics of this telemidwifery menu were assigned to the ISO 9126 Model standards for usability, functionality, and efficiency. The conclusion is that the 15 themes constitute the characteristic menu content required within the initiation of telemidwifery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyxia Gita Stellata
- Master of Midwifery Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
| | - Fedri Ruluwedrata Rinawan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Ir. Soekarno KM. 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Center for Health System Study and Health Workforce Education Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
- Indonesian Society for Remote Sensing Branch West Java, Gedung 2, Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Ir. Soekarno KM. 21, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
| | - Gatot Nyarumenteng Adhipurnawan Winarno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 45363, Indonesia
- Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
| | - Ari Indra Susanti
- Center for Health System Study and Health Workforce Education Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
- Mother and Child Health Division, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
| | - Wanda Gusdya Purnama
- Informatics Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pasundan, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No.193, Bandung 40153, Indonesia
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Ayebaza S, Kobutungi P, Mugaba AT, Asasira J, Mugyenyi GR, Katusiime J, Zender R, Pinkwart N, Haberer JE. Challenges in accessing maternal and child health services during COVID-19 and the potential role of social networking technologies. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221086769. [PMID: 35401999 PMCID: PMC8984853 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221086769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic causes new challenges to women and their babies who still need to access postnatal care amidst the crisis. The novel application of social network technologies (SNTs) could potentially enhance access to healthcare during this difficult time. Objectives This study describes the challenges experienced in accessing maternal and child health services by women with limited or no education during this COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the potential of SNTs to support maternal and child health amidst this crisis. Methods We administered surveys to women who had recently given birth in a rural setting and interviewed a purposively selected subset to ascertain their experiences of accessing maternal and child health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analysis involved descriptive analysis of quantitative data using STATA 13 to describe study participants' characteristics, and content analysis of qualitative data to derive categories describing maternal health challenges. Results Among 50 women, the median age was 28 years (interquartile range 24-34), 42 (84%) completed upper primary education. Access to the health facility was constrained by transport challenges, fear of contracting COVID-19, and delays at the facility. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, 42 (84%) women missed facility visits, 46 (92%) experienced financial distress, 43 (86%) had food insecurity, and 44 (88%) felt stressed. SNTs can facilitate remote and timely access to health services and information, and enable virtual social connections and support. Conclusion SNTs have the potential to mitigate the challenges faced in accessing maternal and child health services amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Mbarara University of Science and
Technology, Uganda,Angels Compassion Organization, Uganda,Angella Musiimenta, Department of
Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box
653, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | | | | | | | | | - Aaron T Mugaba
- Mbarara University of Science and
Technology, Uganda,Angels Compassion Organization, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, USA,Massachusetts General
Hospital Center for Global Health, USA
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10
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Peri SS, Bagchi AD, Baveja A. A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Reproductive and Neonatal Health in Rural and Low-Income Areas in India. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1251-1260. [PMID: 35049394 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A systematic review of four relevant databases for articles about the use of telemedicine to expand access to neonatal and reproductive health in rural India was conducted. The objective of this review was to identify initiatives with evidence for potential public health benefits through large-scale implementation. Of 3,098 records from the initial search, 1,415 records were selected for further review after removing duplicates. Eight reports that met the eligibility and inclusion criteria were included in the final review. Selected studies included two types of interventions, direct telemedicine interventions with patients and indirect telemedicine interventions through frontline health care workers. Among studies involving direct telemedicine interventions, 22.4% of the collective health and knowledge outcomes (n = 49) showed statistically significant improvement in the intervention group, whereas 38.0% of the collective health and knowledge outcomes (n = 50) in the studies involving indirect telemedicine intervention showed statistically significant improvement. This systematic review suggested that the use of telemedicine interventions may have a statistically significant effect through educational impacts. There were certain limitations around the use of technology and training that may have undermined the effects of some of the outcomes. This systematic review did not receive any funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha S Peri
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Ann D Bagchi
- School of Nursing, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alok Baveja
- Rutgers Business School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Short VL, Bellad RM, Kelly PJ, Washio Y, Ma T, Chang K, Majantashetti NS, Charantimath US, Jaeger FJ, Lalakia P, Goudar SS, Derman R. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of an mHealth supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention in rural India. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 156:48-54. [PMID: 33454986 PMCID: PMC8285457 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth-supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention implemented in rural India and the preliminary impact of the intervention on maternal breastfeeding behaviors, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). METHODS In this quasi-experimental pilot study, participants received either the intervention plus usual care (n = 110) or usual care alone (n = 112). The intervention group received nine in-home visits during and after pregnancy from peer counselors who provided education about and support for EBF and other optimal infant feeding practices and were aided with an mHealth tool. The control group received routine prenatal and postnatal health education. Progress notes and surveys were used to assess feasibility. Logistic regression models were used for between-group comparisons of optimal infant feeding outcomes, including EBF for 6 months. RESULTS The intervention was delivered as intended, maintained over the study period, and had high acceptability ratings. There were statistically significant differences in all outcomes between groups. The intervention group had a significantly higher likelihood of EBF at 6 months compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.80-7.07). CONCLUSION Integration of mHealth with community-based peer counselors to educate women about EBF is feasible and acceptable in rural India and impacts maternal breastfeeding behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Short
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA,Correspondence: Vanessa Short, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1233 Locust St. Suite 401, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA,
| | - Roopa M. Bellad
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgavi, India
| | | | - Yukiko Washio
- Substance Use, Gender and Applied Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tony Ma
- Benten Technologies, Manassas, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Umesh S. Charantimath
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgavi, India
| | | | | | - Shivaprasad S. Goudar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgavi, India
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