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  1. Article ; Online: Implementation and analysis of a telephone support service during COVID-19.

    Matthewson, J / Tiplady, A / Gerakios, F / Foley, A / Murphy, E

    Occupational medicine (Oxford, England)

    2020  Volume 70, Issue 5, Page(s) 375–381

    Abstract: ... these risks are best managed.: Aims: To describe implementation and analysis of a psychology-led COVID-19 ... telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS.: Methods: Data from calls made to the support ... A psychologically informed telephone support line was a good use of occupational health service resources ...

    Abstract Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been essential for occupational health services (OHS) providers to react rapidly to increased demand and to utilize resources in novel ways. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of staff is already identified as an area of high risk; therefore, providing timely access to psychological support may be vital, although limited evidence is available on how these risks are best managed.
    Aims: To describe implementation and analysis of a psychology-led COVID-19 telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS.
    Methods: Data from calls made to the support line were collected over the first 4 weeks of service implementation. Numerical data including frequency of calls and average waiting time were first considered. A content analysis was then conducted on call notes to identify prevalence of themes.
    Results: Six hundred and fifty-five calls were received, and 362 notes included sufficient information for use within the content analysis. Frequency of calls peaked within the first week followed by a reduction in the number of calls received per day over time. Most calls included discussion around clarification of guidance (68%) with a smaller subset of calls offering support around anxiety (29%). Prevalence of themes did not appear to change over time.
    Conclusions: Clear and timely information is vital to support the well-being of healthcare staff. A psychologically informed telephone support line was a good use of occupational health service resources in the interim while more tailored advice and services could be established.
    MeSH term(s) Betacoronavirus ; COVID-19 ; Coronavirus Infections ; Hotlines ; Humans ; Occupational Health Services/organization & administration ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Social Support ; State Medicine ; Telephone ; United Kingdom
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-05-08
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1103950-4
    ISSN 1471-8405 ; 0962-7480
    ISSN (online) 1471-8405
    ISSN 0962-7480
    DOI 10.1093/occmed/kqaa095
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  2. Article ; Online: Implementation and analysis of a telephone support service during COVID-19

    Matthewson, J / Tiplady, A / Gerakios, F / Foley, A / Murphy, E

    Occupational Medicine

    2020  Volume 70, Issue 5, Page(s) 375–381

    Abstract: ... of a psychology-led COVID-19 telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS. Methods Data from calls made ... informed telephone support line was a good use of occupational health service resources in the interim ... Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been essential ...

    Abstract Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been essential for occupational health services (OHS) providers to react rapidly to increased demand and to utilize resources in novel ways. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of staff is already identified as an area of high risk; therefore, providing timely access to psychological support may be vital, although limited evidence is available on how these risks are best managed. Aims To describe implementation and analysis of a psychology-led COVID-19 telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS. Methods Data from calls made to the support line were collected over the first 4 weeks of service implementation. Numerical data including frequency of calls and average waiting time were first considered. A content analysis was then conducted on call notes to identify prevalence of themes. Results Six hundred and fifty-five calls were received, and 362 notes included sufficient information for use within the content analysis. Frequency of calls peaked within the first week followed by a reduction in the number of calls received per day over time. Most calls included discussion around clarification of guidance (68%) with a smaller subset of calls offering support around anxiety (29%). Prevalence of themes did not appear to change over time. Conclusions Clear and timely information is vital to support the well-being of healthcare staff. A psychologically informed telephone support line was a good use of occupational health service resources in the interim while more tailored advice and services could be established.
    Keywords Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ; covid19
    Language English
    Publisher Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publishing country uk
    Document type Article ; Online
    ZDB-ID 1103950-4
    ISSN 1471-8405 ; 0962-7480
    ISSN (online) 1471-8405
    ISSN 0962-7480
    DOI 10.1093/occmed/kqaa095
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article: Implementation and analysis of a telephone support service during COVID-19

    Matthewson, J / Tiplady, A / Gerakios, F / Foley, A / Murphy, E

    Occup Med (Lond)

    Abstract: ... these risks are best managed. AIMS: To describe implementation and analysis of a psychology-led COVID-19 ... telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS. METHODS: Data from calls made to the support line ... BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been essential for occupational health services ...

    Abstract BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been essential for occupational health services (OHS) providers to react rapidly to increased demand and to utilize resources in novel ways. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of staff is already identified as an area of high risk; therefore, providing timely access to psychological support may be vital, although limited evidence is available on how these risks are best managed. AIMS: To describe implementation and analysis of a psychology-led COVID-19 telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS. METHODS: Data from calls made to the support line were collected over the first 4 weeks of service implementation. Numerical data including frequency of calls and average waiting time were first considered. A content analysis was then conducted on call notes to identify prevalence of themes. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifty-five calls were received, and 362 notes included sufficient information for use within the content analysis. Frequency of calls peaked within the first week followed by a reduction in the number of calls received per day over time. Most calls included discussion around clarification of guidance (68%) with a smaller subset of calls offering support around anxiety (29%). Prevalence of themes did not appear to change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Clear and timely information is vital to support the well-being of healthcare staff. A psychologically informed telephone support line was a good use of occupational health service resources in the interim while more tailored advice and services could be established.
    Keywords covid19
    Publisher WHO
    Document type Article
    Note WHO #Covidence: #361262
    Database COVID19

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  4. Article ; Online: Adaptation and Implementation of a Volunteer-Delivered, Telephone-Based, Social Support Program HOW-R-U? During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pragmatic Study.

    Robinson, Elizabeth / Dickins, Marissa / Lad, Lina / Beard, Sharryn / McGill, Deidre / Hayes, Johanna / Fabri, Anne Marie / Wade, Henni / Meyer, Claudia / Lowthian, Judy A

    The Gerontologist

    2024  Volume 64, Issue 6

    Abstract: ... heightened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as infection prevention measures led ... organization and a tertiary health service in Melbourne. The evaluation involved analysis of program data ... delivered telephone program designed to facilitate social connection and ease feelings of social isolation ...

    Abstract Background and objectives: Public health concerns surrounding social isolation and loneliness heightened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as infection prevention measures led to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. Our objective was to evaluate the implementation of the HOW-R-U? program, during the pandemic (March 2020-December 2021). HOW-R-U? is a weekly volunteer-delivered telephone program designed to facilitate social connection and ease feelings of social isolation, loneliness, and depression in older people.
    Research design and methods: This pragmatic study used the Implementation Framework for Aged Care to adapt and implement HOW-R-U? in an Australian aged and community care organization and a tertiary health service in Melbourne. The evaluation involved analysis of program data, semistructured interviews, and surveys with program recipients, volunteers, and referrers. A process evaluation was conducted alongside an assessment of outcomes including pre- and post-symptoms of isolation, depression, and loneliness.
    Results: The implementation evaluation indicated that codesigned systems and processes effectively supported the ongoing implementation of HOW-R-U? with transition into business as usual across both organizations. Recipients reported that telephone calls had a positive impact on their lives, whereas volunteers reported enjoyment of supporting others. Several challenges were identified, namely in program reach and fidelity.
    Discussion and implications: HOW-R-U? was well regarded by all involved, and evaluation learnings have informed implementation into business as usual by both organizations.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Volunteers/psychology ; Loneliness/psychology ; Telephone ; Aged ; Social Support ; Social Isolation/psychology ; Male ; Female ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Depression/prevention & control ; Depression/psychology ; Australia ; Program Evaluation ; Pandemics
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-23
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 216760-8
    ISSN 1758-5341 ; 0016-9013
    ISSN (online) 1758-5341
    ISSN 0016-9013
    DOI 10.1093/geront/gnae034
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  5. Article ; Online: Effectiveness and Implementation of a Text Messaging mHealth Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Mexico in the COVID-19 Context: Mixed Methods Study.

    Lozada-Tequeanes, Ana Lilia / Théodore, Florence L / Kim-Herrera, Edith / García-Guerra, Armando / Quezada-Sánchez, Amado D / Alvarado-Casas, Rocio / Bonvecchio, Anabelle

    JMIR mHealth and uHealth

    2024  Volume 12, Page(s) e55509

    Abstract: ... communication with individuals during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; methodological and ... 19 context, both baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted via mobile or fixed telephone ... the disruption of routine health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.: Conclusions: While NUTRES ...

    Abstract Background: Promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy feeding (HF) is crucial to address the alarming increase in obesity rates in developing countries. Leveraging mobile phones for behavior change communication to encourage infant PA and promote HF is particularly significant within the Mexican context.
    Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of mHealth interventions aimed at promoting PA and HF among primary caregivers (PCs) of Mexican children under the age of 5 years. Additionally, the study aims to disseminate insights gained from intervention implementation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the potential of behavior change mHealth interventions on a broader population scale.
    Methods: NUTRES, an mHealth intervention, underwent an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Over 36 weeks, participants in the intervention group (IG), totaling 230 individuals, received approximately 108 SMS text messages tailored to their children's age. These messages covered topics such as PA and HF and emphasized the significance of proper child nutrition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. NUTRES participants were recruited from both urban and rural health units across 2 states in Mexico. Given the COVID-19 context, both baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted via mobile or fixed telephone. The evaluation of effectiveness and implementation used a mixed methods approach. Qualitative analysis delved into participants' experiences with NUTRES and various implementation indicators, including acceptance, relevance, and coverage. Grounded theory was used for coding and analysis. Furthermore, difference-in-differences regression models were used to discern disparities between groups (comparison group [CG] versus IG) concerning knowledge and practices pertaining to infant PA and HF.
    Results: Of the total 494 PCs enrolled in NUTRES, 334 persisted until the end of the study, accounting for 67.6% (334/494) participation across both groups. A majority of PCs (43/141, 30.5%, always; and 97/141, 68.8%, sometimes) used the SMS text message information. Satisfaction and acceptability toward NUTRES were notably high, reaching 98% (96/98), with respondents expressing that NUTRES was "good," "useful," and "helpful" for enhancing child nutrition. Significant differences after the intervention were observed in PA knowledge, with social interaction favored (CG: 8/135, 5.9% vs IG: 20/137, 14.6%; P=.048), as well as in HF practice knowledge. Notably, sweetened beverage consumption, associated with the development of chronic diseases, showed divergence (CG: 92/157, 58.6% vs IG: 110/145, 75.9%; P=.003). In the difference-in-differences model, a notable increase of 0.03 in knowledge regarding the benefits of PA was observed (CG: mean 0.13, SD 0.10 vs IG: mean 0.16, SD 0.11; P=.02). PCs expressed feeling accompanied and supported, particularly amidst the disruption of routine health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Conclusions: While NUTRES exhibited a restricted impact on targeted knowledge and behaviors, the SMS text messages functioned effectively as both a reminder and a source of new knowledge for PCs of Mexican children under 5 years of age. The key lessons learned were as follows: mHealth intervention strategies can effectively maintain communication with individuals during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; methodological and implementation barriers can constrain the effectiveness of mHealth interventions; and using mixed methods approaches ensures the complementary nature of results. The findings contribute valuable evidence regarding the opportunities and constraints associated with using mobile phones to enhance knowledge and practices concerning PA and HF among PCs of children under 5 years old.
    Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04250896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04250896.
    MeSH term(s) Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Infant ; COVID-19 ; Mexico ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control ; Text Messaging ; Implementation Science
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-09
    Publishing country Canada
    Document type Clinical Study ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2719220-9
    ISSN 2291-5222 ; 2291-5222
    ISSN (online) 2291-5222
    ISSN 2291-5222
    DOI 10.2196/55509
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  6. Article ; Online: Implementation of telehealth primary health care services in a rural Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study.

    Beks, Hannah / Mitchell, Fiona / Charles, James / Wong Shee, Anna / Mc Namara, Kevin / Versace, Vincent L

    Rural and remote health

    2023  Volume 23, Issue 3, Page(s) 7521

    Abstract: ... by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, maintaining the delivery of ACCHO services during COVID-19 ... COVID-19, despite a preference for face-to-face consultations. A greater uptake of telephone ... Torres Strait Islander peoples by a rural ACCHO during COVID-19.: Methods: A single-site convergent ...

    Abstract Introduction: Globally, primary care organisations responded rapidly to COVID-19 physical distancing requirements through the adoption of telehealth to maintain the delivery of health care to communities. In Australia, temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth items were introduced in March 2020 to enable the provision of telehealth services in the primary care setting. These changes included funding for two modes of telehealth delivery: videoconferencing and telephone consultations. As primary care organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) rapidly adopted telehealth consultations to maintain the delivery of primary care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the implementation (specifically the uptake, acceptability and requirements for delivery) of telehealth primary healthcare services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples by a rural ACCHO during COVID-19.
    Methods: A single-site convergent-parallel mixed-methods study was undertaken in the context of an ongoing research partnership established between a rural ACCHO and a university department of rural health. De-identified health service data from March 2020 to March 2021 was extracted, including MBS telehealth consultations and client demographics (eg age, gender and postcode). Variables were analysed using descriptive statistics to examine the uptake of telehealth by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. A geographical analysis of postcode data was also undertaken. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken concurrently with a purposive sample of health service personnel (including health professionals) involved in the implementation or delivery of telehealth, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients who had accessed telehealth, to explore the acceptability of telehealth and requirements for delivery. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was undertaken. The analyses of quantitative and qualitative findings were merged to identify key concepts pertaining to the uptake, acceptability and requirements for telehealth delivery.
    Results: During the first year of implementation, 435 telehealth primary healthcare consultations were delivered to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients. Seven health personnel and six Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients participated in interviews. Merged findings from an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data were grouped under three concepts: uptake of telehealth consultations by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, maintaining the delivery of ACCHO services during COVID-19, and implications for sustaining telehealth in an ACCHO. Findings identified that telehealth maintained the delivery of ACCHO services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients across the lifespan during COVID-19, despite a preference for face-to-face consultations. A greater uptake of telephone consultations compared to videoconferencing was identified. Barriers to the utilisation of videoconferencing were largely technology related, highlighting the need for additional support for clients.
    Conclusion: Telehealth was a useful addition to face-to-face consultations when used in the appropriate context such as the administration of long-term medication prescriptions by a GP. Engaging the ACCHO sector in the policy discourse around telehealth is imperative for identifying requirements for ongoing implementation.
    MeSH term(s) Aged ; Humans ; Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples ; COVID-19 ; Health Services, Indigenous ; National Health Programs ; Pandemics ; Primary Health Care ; Telemedicine ; Australia ; Rural Population
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-08-07
    Publishing country Australia
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2105620-1
    ISSN 1445-6354 ; 1445-6354
    ISSN (online) 1445-6354
    ISSN 1445-6354
    DOI 10.22605/RRH7521
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  7. Article ; Online: Facilitators and Barriers in the Implementation of a Digital Surveillance and Outbreak Response System in Ghana Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholder Interviews.

    Kaburi, Basil Benduri / Wyss, Kaspar / Kenu, Ernest / Asiedu-Bekoe, Franklin / Hauri, Anja M / Laryea, Dennis Odai / Klett-Tammen, Carolina J / Leone, Frédéric / Walter, Christin / Krause, Gérard

    JMIR formative research

    2023  Volume 7, Page(s) e45715

    Abstract: ... attracted the support of global health players. However, the successful implementation and ... it for the national COVID-19 response.: Objective: This study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers ... political endorsement, availability of in-country IT capacities, and financial and technical support ...

    Abstract Background: In the past 2 decades, many countries have recognized the use of electronic systems for disease surveillance and outbreak response as an important strategy for disease control and prevention. In low- and middle-income countries, the adoption of these electronic systems remains a priority and has attracted the support of global health players. However, the successful implementation and institutionalization of electronic systems in low- and middle-income countries have been challenged by the local capacity to absorb technologies, decisiveness and strength of leadership, implementation costs, workforce attitudes toward innovation, and organizational factors. In November 2019, Ghana piloted the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for routine surveillance and subsequently used it for the national COVID-19 response.
    Objective: This study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers to the sustainable implementation and operation of SORMAS in Ghana.
    Methods: Between November 2021 and March 2022, we conducted a qualitative study among 22 resource persons representing different stakeholders involved in the implementation of SORMAS in Ghana. We interviewed study participants via telephone using in-depth interview guides developed consistent with the model of diffusion of innovations in health service organizations. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and performed independent validation of transcripts and pseudonymization. We performed deductive coding using 7 a priori categories: innovation, adopting health system, adoption and assimilation, diffusion and dissemination, outer context, institutionalization, and linkages among the aspects of implementation. We used MAXQDA Analytics Pro for transcription, coding, and analysis.
    Results: The facilitators of SORMAS implementation included its coherent design consistent with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, adaptability to evolving local needs, relative advantages for task performance (eg, real-time reporting, generation of case-base data, improved data quality, mobile offline capability, and integration of laboratory procedures), intrinsic motivation of users, and a smartphone-savvy workforce. Other facilitators were its alignment with health system goals, dedicated national leadership, political endorsement, availability of in-country IT capacities, and financial and technical support from inventors and international development partners. The main barriers were unstable technical interoperability between SORMAS and existing health information systems, reliance on a private IT company for data hosting, unreliable internet connectivity, unstable national power supply, inadequate numbers and poor quality of data collection devices, and substantial dependence on external funding.
    Conclusions: The facilitators of and barriers to SORMAS implementation are multiple and interdependent. Important success conditions for implementation include enhanced scope and efficiency of task performance, strong technical and political stewardship, and a self-motivated workforce. Inadequate funding, limited IT infrastructure, and lack of software development expertise are mutually reinforcing barriers to implementation and progress to country ownership. Some barriers are external, relate to the overall national infrastructural development, and are not amenable even to unlimited project funding.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-10-20
    Publishing country Canada
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 2561-326X
    ISSN (online) 2561-326X
    DOI 10.2196/45715
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  8. Article ; Online: Facilitators and Barriers in the Implementation of a Digital Surveillance and Outbreak Response System in Ghana Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Basil Benduri Kaburi / Kaspar Wyss / Ernest Kenu / Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe / Anja M Hauri / Dennis Odai Laryea / Carolina J Klett-Tammen / Frédéric Leone / Christin Walter / Gérard Krause

    JMIR Formative Research, Vol 7, p e

    Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholder Interviews

    2023  Volume 45715

    Abstract: ... attracted the support of global health players. However, the successful implementation and ... it for the national COVID-19 response. ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers ... of implementation. We used MAXQDA Analytics Pro for transcription, coding, and analysis. ResultsThe facilitators ...

    Abstract BackgroundIn the past 2 decades, many countries have recognized the use of electronic systems for disease surveillance and outbreak response as an important strategy for disease control and prevention. In low- and middle-income countries, the adoption of these electronic systems remains a priority and has attracted the support of global health players. However, the successful implementation and institutionalization of electronic systems in low- and middle-income countries have been challenged by the local capacity to absorb technologies, decisiveness and strength of leadership, implementation costs, workforce attitudes toward innovation, and organizational factors. In November 2019, Ghana piloted the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for routine surveillance and subsequently used it for the national COVID-19 response. ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers to the sustainable implementation and operation of SORMAS in Ghana. MethodsBetween November 2021 and March 2022, we conducted a qualitative study among 22 resource persons representing different stakeholders involved in the implementation of SORMAS in Ghana. We interviewed study participants via telephone using in-depth interview guides developed consistent with the model of diffusion of innovations in health service organizations. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and performed independent validation of transcripts and pseudonymization. We performed deductive coding using 7 a priori categories: innovation, adopting health system, adoption and assimilation, diffusion and dissemination, outer context, institutionalization, and linkages among the aspects of implementation. We used MAXQDA Analytics Pro for transcription, coding, and analysis. ResultsThe facilitators of SORMAS implementation included its coherent design consistent with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, adaptability to evolving local needs, relative advantages for task performance (eg, real-time ...
    Keywords Medicine ; R
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher JMIR Publications
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: Evaluating the implementation of home delivery of medication by community health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cape Town, South Africa: a convergent mixed methods study.

    Mash, Robert James / Schouw, Darcelle / Daviaud, Emmanuelle / Besada, Donela / Roman, Darrin

    BMC health services research

    2022  Volume 22, Issue 1, Page(s) 98

    Abstract: ... The following need to be improved: efficiency of the system, the audit trail, adequate support and resources ... patients. All role players thought the service should continue and 42.3% of patients reported better ... to evaluate the implementation of home delivery of medication by community health workers during ...

    Abstract Background: Primary care services in South Africa have been challenged by increasing numbers of people with communicable and non-communicable chronic diseases. There was a need to develop alternative approaches for stable patients to access medication. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic there was an urgent need to decongest facilities and protect people from infection. In this crisis the Metro Health Services rapidly implemented home delivery of medication by community health workers. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of home delivery of medication by community health workers during the coronavirus pandemic in Cape Town, South Africa.
    Methods: A convergent mixed methods study evaluated six implementation outcomes: adoption, feasibility, fidelity, coverage, cost, and sustainability of the initiative. Data sources included routinely collected data, a telephonic survey of 138 patients, an analysis of set-up and recurrent costs as well as 17 descriptive exploratory qualitative semi-structured interviews with 68 key informants.
    Results: Over a 6-month period 1,054,657 pre-packaged parcels were sent to primary care facilities, 819,649 (77.7%) were delivered and of those 97,297 (11.9%) returned. The additional costs were estimated as 1.3% of a total health budget of R2,2 billion. The initiative was rapidly adopted as it decongested facilities and protected vulnerable patients. Although it was feasible to implement at scale, numerous challenges were encountered, such as incorrect addresses and contact details, transporting parcels, communicating with patients, having a reliable audit trail, and handling out-of-area patients. All role players thought the service should continue and 42.3% of patients reported better adherence to their medication.
    Conclusion: Home delivery of medication by community health workers is feasible at scale and affordable. It should continue, but as one of a menu of options for alternative delivery of medication. The following need to be improved: efficiency of the system, the audit trail, adequate support and resources for community health workers, transport of medication, communication with patients, empanelment of patients, governance of the system and training of the community health workers.
    MeSH term(s) COVID-19 ; Community Health Workers ; Humans ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; South Africa/epidemiology
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-01-24
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2050434-2
    ISSN 1472-6963 ; 1472-6963
    ISSN (online) 1472-6963
    ISSN 1472-6963
    DOI 10.1186/s12913-022-07464-x
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