A mobile phone application for malaria case-based reporting to advance malaria surveillance in Myanmar: a mixed methods evaluation

Author:

Win Han Oo ,Win Htike ,Cutts Julia C.,Kyawt Mon Win ,Kaung Myat Thu ,May Chan Oo ,Galau Naw Hkawng ,Agius Paul A.,Pyae Phyo Htoon ,Scott Nick,Kearney Ellen,Moreira Clarissa,Pedrana Alisa,Stoove Mark,Aung Thi ,Ye Win Aung ,Min Min Thein ,Rosecrans Kathryn,Kyi Tun Lwin ,Aung Kyi Min ,Fowkes Freya J. I.ORCID

Abstract

Abstract Background To achieve malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Myanmar, it is necessary to ensure all malaria cases are detected, treated, and reported in a timely manner. Mobile phone-based applications for malaria reporting, case management, and surveillance implemented at a community-level may overcome reporting limitations associated with current paper-based reporting (PBR), but their effectiveness in this context is unknown. Methods A mixed methods evaluation study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a national Malaria Case-Based Reporting (MCBR) mobile phone application in improving malaria case reporting compared to the existing PBR reporting system in Myanmar. Methods included secondary analysis of malaria case report data, questionnaires, focus group discussions and field observations of community volunteers, interviews and direct observations of malaria programme stakeholders, and cost analysis. Using a combination of these approaches the following areas were investigated: data quality and completeness, data access and usage, capacity for timely reporting, the acceptability, functionality, and ease of use of the application and facilitators and barriers to its use, and the relative cost of MCBR compared to the PBR system. Results Compared to PBR, MCBR enabled more accurate and complete data to be reported in a much timelier manner, with 63% of MCBR users reporting they transmit rapid diagnostic test outcomes within 24 h, compared to 0% of PBR users. MCBR was favoured by integrated community malaria volunteers and their supervisors because of its efficiency. However, several technical and operational challenges associated with internet coverage, data transmission, and e-literacy were identified and stakeholders reported not being confident to rely solely on MCBR data for programmatic decision-making. Conclusions Implementation of MCBR provided timely and accurate data for malaria surveillance. Findings from this evaluation study will enable the optimization of an application-based reporting system for malaria monitoring and surveillance in the Greater Mekong Subregion and advance systems to track progress towards, and certify, the achievement of malaria elimination targets.

Funder

Save the Children

National Health and Medical Research Council

Victorian Operational Infrastructure Support Program

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Subject

Infectious Diseases,Parasitology

Reference26 articles.

1. WHO. World malaria report 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019.

2. WHO. Eliminating malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion: united to end a deadly disease. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016.

3. WHO. World malaria report 2009. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009.

4. WHO. Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2015.

5. Cao J, Sturrock HJW, Cotter C, Zhou S, Zhou H, Liu Y, et al. Communicating and monitoring surveillance and response activities for malaria elimination: China’s “1-3-7” strategy. PLoS Med. 2014;11:e1001642.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3