Digital Skills for Delivery of Health

Overview

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) are crucial for enhancing healthcare by providing efficient ways to access, communicate, manage, and store health information, particularly in developing countries. The Global Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 emphasizes ICT’s potential to bridge the digital divide, fostering knowledge societies and innovation in various sectors, including healthcare. In response to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), ICTs can improve healthcare by connecting remote health centers, enhancing diagnosis, empowering patients with information, and improving data management and communication among healthcare workers. 

During COVID-19, underserved communities in Laikipia faced significant healthcare access challenges, prompting the need for technological solutions. Under the “Maudhui Digiti” project, funded by FCDO’s Digital Access Programme, ACWICT identified digital skills gaps among frontline healthcare workers in Laikipia. Only 38.3% had basic ICT skills, and 55.3% struggled to access and utilize digital health content. Additionally, the region faced limited digital health infrastructure, with a notable gender digital divide, particularly affecting women. The study highlighted the need to leverage ICT in Laikipia to expand healthcare access and enhance service delivery. In response, ACWICT initiated the ICT4Health project to support Kenya’s COVID-19 response by integrating health solutions and strengthening existing health systems, facilitating a safe return to daily economic activities. 

Project objective

Responding to the project needs assessment, the objective of the project was designed to enhance the Capacity of Health Care Workers to apply Digital Skills in the Delivery of Effective Health Care Services in Laikipia County. This was to be done by equipping health workers with basic skills for use of digital devices effectively and efficiently in-patient management.  

Key Impact/Achievements in Phase II

  • The Project successfully conducted introductory meetings with the County Health Department, shared the ICT4Health project work plan and agreed on way forward.

  • For capacity building ACWICT digital skills curriculum including Module specific training materials were customized and validated by the County and Sub-County Health Management and stakeholders.

  • The Project then conducted digital skills for health Training of Trainers (TOT) to 51 TOTs (22M and 29F) i.e. 47 Health Care Workers (HCW) and 4 County Health Management Team members (CHMT) against a target of 50 TOTs.

  • The 51 TOTs were then supported to cascade the same training to 335 (158M, 177F) Health Care Workers within various health facilities at sub county level. A further 156 Health Care Workers were independently reached by TOTs aside from the initial 335 trained (sustainability) i.e. Laikipia north – 35, Laikipia east – 48 and Laikipia west – 73.

  • TOTs and HCWs are now able to access free online courses and have completed various health courses through the global health online courses. Home | Global Health eLearning Center (globalhealthlearning.org). 30/51 TOTs (16M, 14F) have completed 151 online courses.

  • Additionally, the project conducted a digital health advocacy and mentorship workshops with the 51 TOTs and supported them to mentor other HCWs at facility level by utilizing the PATH advocacy tools i.e. Stronger Health Advocates, Greater Health Impacts: Tools of the Trade | PATH.

  • The project has conducted Organizational Capacity Assessment for Digital Health in Laikipia County and an OCA report developed with recommendations to the CHMT to inform the county action plans in form of an advocacy brief.