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Conceptualising the Factors Influencing Community Health Workers’ Preparedness for ICT Implementation: A Systematised Scoping Review

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  • Lilies Ratshidi

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Sara Grobbelaar

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
    DSI-NRF CoE in Scientometrics and Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (sciSTIP), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Adele Botha

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
    CSIR Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Globally, community health workers (CHW) are increasingly viewed as an integral part of the health system as opposed to simply being an extension of it. Given this view, most low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) have refocused their efforts on reorganising CHW initiatives to maximise their impact. The ongoing endeavours to augment the practice of community health workers using technological solutions are characterised by as many challenges as opportunities. In low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a promising development in the enhancement of the equitable coverage of health services by community health workers. However, there has not been a wide-scale implementation and adoption of ICT; most technology initiatives fail to scale up during the implementation stage, which is attributable to human and context-related factors. Although there has been an effort to develop solutions to address ICT infrastructure and technical barriers, conceptualising an evidence-based understanding of the contextual and user-related factors that influence the efficacy of technology adoption by CHWs within their multidimensional system remains critical. Objective: The purpose of the study is to conceptualise the social factors to consider when implementing a bespoke ICT solution suited to the specific demands of CHWs in primary healthcare in developing contexts, with a particular focus on the South African context. Methodology: The methodology involves synthesizing, extracting, and consolidating the findings of a systematised scoping review into concepts and factors. The review adapts Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review approach to the study and incorporates 59 relevant articles. Results: Although the knowledge base on CHWs is extensive, there is a considerable gap in addressing structural challenges within the community system, which contributes significantly to the overall performance of CHW programs. Factors promoting policy adaptations, common practice within the health system, CHW competencies, a community’s development in terms of knowledge and economic advancement, safety and security, the environment, and the socio-cultural context all play a significant role in facilitating or impeding the success of health interventions from the individual to the national level. Conclusions: Within several practical limitations, the study shows that despite the efforts of various developing countries to promote technology adoption, the barriers to ICT adoption outweigh the benefits gained in developing countries. The paper argues that addressing these challenges before and during implementation is critical. The authors conclude with some essential concerns about assisting CHWs towards realising the desired health outcomes through ICT.

Suggested Citation

  • Lilies Ratshidi & Sara Grobbelaar & Adele Botha, 2022. "Conceptualising the Factors Influencing Community Health Workers’ Preparedness for ICT Implementation: A Systematised Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-25, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8930-:d:867896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aarushi Bhatnagar & Shivam Gupta & Olakunle Alonge & Asha S. George, 2017. "Primary health care workers' views of motivating factors at individual, community and organizational levels: a qualitative study from Nasarawa and Ondo states, Nigeria," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(2), pages 217-233, April.
    2. van Heerden, Alastair & Harris, Danielle M. & van Rooyen, Heidi & Barnabas, Ruanne V. & Ramanathan, Nithya & Ngcobo, Nkosinathi & Mpiyakhe, Zukiswa & Comulada, W. Scott, 2017. "Perceived mHealth barriers and benefits for home-based HIV testing and counseling and other care: Qualitative findings from health officials, community health workers, and persons living with HIV in S," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 97-105.
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