This study developed and tested a tool to measure how easy and acceptable mobile health apps are for community health workers in Rwanda. The tool was adapted from existing questionnaires and simplified to match the local language and education level of health workers. After testing it with experts and community health workers, the final 22-question tool was found to be clear, … [Read more...] about Adapting and Validating Tools to Assess the Usability and Acceptability of mHealth Tools Among Community Health Workers in Rural Settings: Development and Usability Study
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Large language models for frontline healthcare support in low-resource settings
This study tested how well artificial intelligence tools could answer clinical questions asked by community health workers in Rwanda. Researchers collected more than 5,000 real questions and compared answers from several AI systems with those from local clinicians. The AI tools generally gave higher-quality responses and were far cheaper to use. Although performance dropped … [Read more...] about Large language models for frontline healthcare support in low-resource settings
Implementation and evaluation of a community health workers-led digital integrated diseases screening system to provide healthcare for patients at community level in Rwanda
This study tested a digital screening tool used by community health workers in Rwanda to help identify and manage common illnesses such as tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea. The tool, installed on their smartphones, guided health workers through patient registration, symptom checks, and decisions about treatment or referral. After the tool was introduced, … [Read more...] about Implementation and evaluation of a community health workers-led digital integrated diseases screening system to provide healthcare for patients at community level in Rwanda
Improving palliative care access in rural Malawi: insights from a mixed-methods exploration of structural and social determinants
This study looked at access to palliative care in rural Malawi, where many people live far from health facilities and have limited services. Most patients in the program were older adults, and many traveled long distances for care. Interviews showed that access depends on strong local leadership, reliable supplies, and support for community health workers who help deliver care … [Read more...] about Improving palliative care access in rural Malawi: insights from a mixed-methods exploration of structural and social determinants
Factors that influence acute malnutrition detection and treatment by community health promoters in Samburu and Turkana counties, Kenya: A mixed methods study
This study looked at how community health promoters in northern Kenya detect and treat severe child malnutrition. It found that workers who felt confident in their skills were more likely to identify malnutrition cases. Support from supervisors, peers, and the community also helped motivate them. However, challenges such as irregular training, lack of supplies, and at times … [Read more...] about Factors that influence acute malnutrition detection and treatment by community health promoters in Samburu and Turkana counties, Kenya: A mixed methods study
