New Digital Tool Will Streamline COVID Data Collection and Analysis in Zimbabwe

Overview

The Ministry of Health and Childcare (MOHCC) in Zimbabwe is in the process of implementing the National Digital Health Strategy 2021-2025. One of the major interventions of the strategy is the rollout of the Electronic Health Records (EHR) with the objective of digitizing data collection at points of service delivery. For example, instead of using paper registers, health workers will collect data electronically. Within this context, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) identified an opportunity to digitize data collection in the Catalyzing COVID-19 Action (CCA) project, which is funded by UNTAID and FIND.

COVID Tool Rolled Out at Seven Facilities

As part of the CCA project, EGPAF-Zimbabwe streamlined the COVID-19 screening and testing process by developing a digital application for COVID–19 screening and testing data across seven project sites. By incorporating prompts and checkboxes, the application ensures the generation of comprehensive and higher-quality data. Moreover, the generated data can be accessed remotely, making it more efficient and convenient to retrieve information. The system can generate reports that offer swift data summaries at any juncture.

The CCA project acquired a total of 35 tablets with specific technical specifications, strategically allocated across the project’s seven facilities, encompassing 23 screening and testing entry points. To facilitate efficient data synchronization, the facilities were equipped with mobile data support, enabling seamless data transfer and updating for improved client services. The tool uses a DHIS2 mobile Android client that synchronizes with a DHIS2 server instance when online.

There are plans to synchronize the data generated from the app with the Impilo EHR using the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) adapter. To ensure secure access, password-protected user accounts have been assigned to users.

Health Workers Are Trained

To familiarize health workers with the digital tool, EGPAF organized two one-day training sessions for 43 health workers from various facilities. EGPAF has also supported facility-level mentorship and peer-to-peer learning initiatives.

The COVID-19 screening and testing tool empowers users to collect real-time data seamlessly. The data synchronization feature enhances visibility and accessibility for other users within the same organizational unit, fostering collaboration. For returning clinic attendees, their demographic information is readily accessible in the system, streamlining the retrieval process. Moreover, the screening tool further ensured tool standardization across project facilities and simplified reporting and information sharing, contributing to a more streamlined workflow.

Conclusion

Through the development of a digital data capture tool program, it is possible to alleviate end paper documentation, which is less efficient and more difficult to store. The tool can be used by all levels of healthcare workers and is robust enough for use in environments with sporadic online connectivity.

This digital data will be essential for providing informed technical support to the MOHCC.