Mobile consulting as an option for communities with minimal healthcare access in low-resource settings

Lead Research Organisation: University of Warwick
Department Name: Warwick Medical School

Abstract

There is rapid growth in the use of mobile communications technology in low and middle income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Tanzania. In these countries, where our study will take place, over 70% of people have mobile phone subscriptions. Mobile technology brings possibilities for improving access to quality health care and strengthening health systems, particularly in communities where people have difficulty finding quality services because they do not exist, they are not available when needed, they are too far away or they cannot afford the service. Mobile consulting ("mConsulting") is when someone with a health need consults a healthcare provider using mobile communication technology, e.g. consulting with a community health worker, pharmacist, nurse or doctor using a mobile phone. The enabling potential of mConsulting is important globally and locally, given the pressing need for creative, innovative ways to make quality health care available to everyone who needs it, regardless of who they are, where they come from or their ability to pay. But not enough is known about what mConsulting services are already available, who uses them and why in such contexts. There are well-known corporate providers in each country but with the availability of mobile money transfer, individuals and small organisations may also be providing mConsulting. In our study, we want to explore how mConsulting is used and provided and its perceived impact in urban slums, remote rural areas and refugee camps in five LMICs in Africa and Asia so that we can generate ideas for health policy and build an evidence base for future research. Working with stakeholders, we aim to propose an intervention in mConsulting to improve health care access and strengthen health systems for future implementation and evaluation.

In this Foundation Grant project, we will interview experts and review policies about mConsulting. We will search the internet, social media and use word-of-mouth to identify available services in the communities where we are working. We will hold community workshops and mini-interviews to ask community leaders, local healthcare workers, pharmacists, shop and drug vendors, traditional healers and other community members about mConsulting services - what is available, used and why? We will explore their perceptions of its impact on users and the wider health system and hear their ideas about mConsulting as an option to strengthen access to health care. We will interview mConsulting providers about their purpose, history, size and coverage, operating systems and costs. Towards the end of the study, in each site, we will bring together stakeholders from within the community, public sector, mConsulting services and non-governmental organisations for a consensus-building workshop to discuss our findings, develop ideas for health policy and for future research.

Out of this Foundation Grant, we will achieve an understanding of the opportunities for and dilemmas created by mConsulting in communities with minimal healthcare in low-resource settings. We will develop a proposal to refine, implement and evaluate a mConsulting intervention in collaboration with existing providers and develop case studies on mConsulting to inform teaching in all participating institutions. Our work will be guided by project advisory groups in each site, made up of community representatives, on-the-ground healthcare providers, and mConsulting providers. They will ensure our work is locally relevant and responsive. Members of our interdisciplinary team are also part of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Improving Health in Slums and the Digital Health for Healthworkers project from which we will draw expertise, engagements and data to complement this study. In each site, we have included junior co-applicants to work alongside seniors, as part of building research capacity in health systems within LMIC contexts.

Technical Summary

Extensive availability of mobile communications in low and middle income countries (LMICs) presents an opportunity to strengthen health systems. Mobile consulting (mConsulting) enables healthcare consultations between providers and care-seekers using mobile technology. mConsulting has potential to fill gaps in provision of quality healthcare for low-resource communities.

Despite extensive research on mobile health, recent reviews indicate little empirical evidence about mConsulting service availability, use and impact on the user and wider health system, particularly in low-resource communities.

In this Foundation Grant project, we will explore provision, use and perceived impact of mConsulting in urban slums, remote rural areas and refugee camps in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Tanzania. Data will be collected through cyber-mapping, document review and, participatory community workshops and interviews with community members, mConsulting providers and other decision-makers. Analysis will result in conceptual understanding of the opportunities for and dilemmas created by mConsulting in communities with minimal healthcare access.

In each site, a consensus-building workshop with key stakeholders will result in ideas for policy and a co-designed mConsulting intervention for future implementation (in collaboration with existing providers) and evaluation. We will develop case studies to inform our teaching in all participating institutions. Project advisory groups comprising community representatives, on-the-ground healthcare providers, and mConsulting providers will guide our work in each site. We will draw on existing collaborations, expertise and data from the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Improving Health in Slums and the Digital Health for Healthworkers project to complement this study. Our junior co-applicants will work alongside seniors, as part of our commitment to building capacity in health systems research in LMICs.

Planned Impact

National and international policy makers will gain an understanding of the role of mConsulting in the health economy of low-resource communities and how it might be best harnessed (or not) for the benefit of low-resource communities. This will inform policy in fields such as health provider regulation and training of health workers, regulation of healthcare provider organisations, healthcare finance including health insurance systems, telecommunications.

Local policy makers and planners responsible for improving access to healthcare for low-resource communities will benefit from insights into the role of mConsulting and its impact on local health economies. This may enable them to undertake local initiatives that increase healthcare access.

mConsulting providers who are considering or already filling gaps in health service provision in low resource communities will benefit from understanding how they are perceived and the key access issues and priorities for (potential) service users.

Community members/groups will benefit from understanding the penetration of mConsulting in their community, how it is used and, perceived benefits and disbenefits. This will arm them with information to help them to work with mConsulting providers and local healthcare authorities to provide services that are accessible and meet their needs.

Community members, service providers and other stakeholders will gain experience of participatory approaches to the development of ideas for policy and the development of research. This will result in research of relevance to the health systems in their low-resource contexts. Individuals may gain in skills and confidence to contribute to debate and planning through this experience.

Research team members will enhance their research knowledge and skills through participation in the project. They will build on the study results to design further research to be submitted to the MRC Health Systems Research Initiative Call 6.

Likely time scales of impact will differ according to beneficiary:

Researchers who are participating in the project will benefit from the outset through working on the project.

Local and national decision makers (policy makers, mConsulting providers, health service providers, community leaders) will benefit as the project proceeds through their involvement in stakeholder workshops and particularly when the findings are available.

Global decision makers are likely to benefit when the findings become widely available through briefing papers and the journal article.

Community members who live in the study site and engage with the project will benefit during the project. More generally, individuals who live in the study sites may benefit from the use of study results by community representatives to engage with mConsulting providers and local authorities about provision of accessible healthcare services.
 
Description Participation in Global Digital Health Expert Group, World Health Organization (co-applicant)
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Co-produced mobile consulting for remote, marginalised communities in Africa
Amount £136,749 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/T030240/1 
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2020 
End 04/2021
 
Description GCRF_NF151 COVID19:Determining trustworthiness and safety of REmote Consulting in primary healthcare (REaCH) for chronic disease populations in Africa
Amount £819,596 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/V028936/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2020 
End 02/2022
 
Description HRQ:Reevaluating the Remote: a realist evaluation of the practical, epistemological and ethical status of remote qualitative data collection in health
Amount £422,352 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/W021161/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2022 
End 02/2024
 
Description Prevention of osteoporosis through early monitoring of multiple measures of bone health in one device
Amount £272,897 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/X000958/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
End 02/2025
 
Description South Africa Chair's Initiative, National Research Foundation, South Africa: Research Chair in Health Policy and Systems
Amount R15,250,000 (ZAR)
Funding ID SARC190615447909 
Organisation South African National Research Foundation (NRF) 
Sector Public
Country South Africa
Start 01/2020 
End 12/2024
 
Description The Digital Good Network: exploring equity, sustainability and resilience in people's relationships with and through digital technologies
Amount £3,303,857 (GBP)
Funding ID ES/X502352/1 
Organisation Economic and Social Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2022 
End 10/2027
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation African Population and Health Research Center
Country Kenya 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation Babylon Health
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)
Country Rwanda 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH)
Department Society for Telemedicine and eHealth in Nigeria
Country Nigeria 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation King's College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation Makerere University
Country Uganda 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation Medical Concierge Group (TMCG)
Country Uganda 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation Mobihealth International Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation St. Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences
Country Tanzania, United Republic of 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation University of Birmingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description DIDA mConsulting network 
Organisation University of Ibadan
Country Nigeria 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), programme leadership, network development and facilitation, development of stage 2 grant application
Collaborator Contribution Academic partners provided intellectual input, training and capacity building of staff, mentorship, development of successful grant application (REaCH trial - EPSRC (GCRF_NF) funded), further development of training package, undertook pilot study of training package, development of stage 2 grant application Non academic collaborators provided information and intelligence regarding the current and future plans for remote healthcare provision (including policy, infrastructure, funding) in countries including: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya
Impact The academic partners successfully secured an £819,596 award from EPSRC (GCRF_NF) based on the work undertaken in this grant. The academic partners in the DAC countries now have well established relationships with healthcare/tech companies for future work.
Start Year 2020
 
Description ENDOcrine and metabolic diseases in Rural South Africa-Establishing burden and improving detection (ENDORSE): Integrating case-finding for endocrine and metabolic diseases into rural primary care-a pilot study 
Organisation University of the Witwatersrand
Department School of Public Health
Country South Africa 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Mentor for mid-career researcher undertaking research on primary care identification and treatment of endocrine disease including the use of digital communication and digital database
Collaborator Contribution Undertaking the fieldwork and data analysis
Impact clinical medicine, social sciences, computer science
Start Year 2019
 
Description Community engagements - Bangladesh 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Multiple engagements with community leaders and representatives, local healthcare providers and local decision makers in the study site (reaching 80 participants) through semi-structured interviews, discussions and two workshops to explore the availability and use of mConsulting services, including network coverage and experiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Community engagements - Kenya 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Multiple engagements with community leaders and representatives, local healthcare providers and local decision makers in the two study sites (reaching 74 participants) through semi-structured interviews, discussions and five workshops to explore the availability and use of mConsulting services, including network coverage and experiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Community engagements - Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Multiple engagements with community leaders and representatives, local healthcare providers and local decision makers in the two study sites (reaching 34 participants) through semi-structured interviews, discussions and two workshops to explore the availability and use of mConsulting services, including network coverage and experiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Community engagements - Pakistan 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Multiple engagements with community leaders and representatives, local healthcare providers and local decision makers in the study site (reaching 87 participants) through semi-structured interviews, discussions and a workshop to explore the availability and use of mConsulting services, including network coverage and experiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Community engagements - Tanzania 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Multiple engagements with community leaders and representatives, local healthcare providers and local decision makers in the study site (reaching 45 participants) through semi-structured interviews, discussions and two workshops to explore the availability and use of mConsulting services, including network coverage and experiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Consensus building workshop: Pakistan 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Consensus building workshop (2020) with 12 local decision-makers, community representatives and healthcare workers to explore study findings and identify priorities for taking forward remote consulting in the study site, including future research priorities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Consensus building workshop: Tanzania 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Consensus building workshop (2019) with 17 local decision-makers, community representatives and healthcare workers to explore study findings and identify priorities for taking forward remote consulting in the study site, including future research priorities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Consensus building workshops: Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Two consensus building workshops (one in each study site)(2020) with 44 local decision-makers, community representatives and healthcare workers to explore study findings and identify priorities for taking forward remote consulting in the study site, including future research priorities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Documentary on mobile consulting in a remote rural area in Pakistan by Aga Khan University 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Production of a short documentary raising awareness about the healthcare issues facing rural communities in Gadap, Karachi and the potential for mobile consulting to address some access barriers: mConsulting in Gadap (2020), AWB Films, produced with mConsulting Research Team Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
This has contributed towards plans for future research in the area (including with Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS), a national NGO serving 57 health districts -in Gadap: two secondary level hospitals and 30 primary-level health facilities). The documentary has been screened within participating partner institutions, reaching academic and research audiences. It has been used in teaching of postgraduate students at the University of Warwick (Mixed Methods in Health Research).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://drive.google.com/file/d/102cFEb87qWqbQXy5gOBPmyNyY8toN7_z/view?usp=sharing
 
Description Engagements with decision makers - Bangladesh 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Key informant interview with 1 policy expert on digital health/mConsulting:
- policy/programme context and regulations (current and planned)
- ideas about future ways that mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Engagements with decision makers - Kenya 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Key informant interviews with 14 policy and programme experts on digital health/mConsulting:
- policy/programme context and regulations (current and planned)
- ideas about future ways that mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with decision makers - Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Key informant interviews with 10 policy and programme experts on digital health/mConsulting:
- policy/programme context and regulations (current and planned)
- ideas about future ways that mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with decision makers - Pakistan 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Key informant interviews with six policy and programme experts on digital health/mConsulting about:
- policy/programme context and regulations (current and planned)
- ideas about future ways that mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving healthcare access in low resource settings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with decision makers - Tanzania 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Key informant interviews with 7 policy and programme experts on digital health/mConsulting:
- policy/programme context and regulations (current and planned)
- ideas about future ways that mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with providers of mobile consulting/telemedicine - Kenya 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Semi-structured interviews with 6 telecommunications/remote consulting providers exploring:
- role of mConsulting in the health economy, its impact on other healthcare provision, implications for healthcare workforce, quality assurance, governance and finance.
- Whether/how mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
- Provider purpose, history, size/ coverage, operating systems, costs and future plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with providers of mobile consulting/telemedicine - Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Semi-structured interviews with 5 telecommunications remote consulting providers exploring:
- role of mConsulting in the health economy, its impact on other healthcare provision, implications for healthcare workforce, quality assurance, governance and finance.
- Whether/how mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
- Provider purpose, history, size/ coverage, operating systems, costs and future plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with providers of mobile consulting/telemedicine - Tanzania 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Semi-structured interviews with 6 telemedicine providers and mobile phone companies exploring:
- role of mConsulting in the health economy, its impact on other healthcare provision, implications for healthcare workforce, quality assurance, governance and finance.
- Whether/how mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
- Provider purpose, history, size/ coverage, operating systems, costs and future plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagements with providers of remote consulting/telecommunications - Bangaldesh 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Semi-structured interviews with 13 telemedicine providers and mobile phone companies exploring:
- role of mConsulting in the health economy, its impact on other healthcare provision, implications for healthcare workforce, quality assurance, governance and finance.
- Whether/how mConsulting might contribute to health system strengthening and improving HC access in low resource settings.
- Provider purpose, history, size/ coverage, operating systems, costs and future plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Local Advisory Group - Bangladesh 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Local Advisory Group established to provide input into study direction, including future plans. Meeting held in March 2020.
Members include: community leader, site youth and development representative healthcare worker (pharmacy), health facility manager, third sector/NGOs working in the site.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Local Advisory Group - Kenya 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Local Advisory Group established to provide input into study direction, including future plans.
Meetings held in January and March 2020
Members include: community health assistants, sub-county medical officers of health and focal persons, Nairobi City Council and mobile consulting platform providers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Local Advisory Group - Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Local Advisory Group established to contribute to study direction, including proposed future work.
Members include: healthcare practitioners working in the study sites, legal/digital health experts, NGO service providers and communication specialists.
Meetings held in August 2019 and January 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Local Advisory Group - Pakistan 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Local Advisory Group established to contribute to study direction, including proposed future work.
Members include: healthcare practitioners working in the study site, digital health/ICT experts, educators, NGO service providers.
Meetings held in September 2019 and February 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Local Advisory Group - Tanzania 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Local Advisory Group established to contribute to study direction, including proposed future work.
Members include: healthcare practitioners working in the study sites, legal/digital health experts, NGO service providers and telemedicine providers.
Meetings held in September 2019 and December 2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Media article for The Conversation, Africa 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Fayehun, O. et al. (2020), Mobile technology can improve access to healthcare in Nigeria - if it's regulated, The Conversation, May 06, available online at Mobile technology can improve access to healthcare in Nigeria -- if it's regulated (theconversation.com).

This article was published in The Conversation, Africa - a ' network of not-for-profit media outlets that publish news stories on the Internet that are written by academics and researchers, under a free Creative Commons licence, allowing reuse but only without modification'. It was picked up and further disseminated by 12 media outlets, including in Nigeria, South Africa and regionally.

1. https://www.theoasisreporters.com/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated/
2. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-features/392096-mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated.html
3. https://allafrica.com/stories/202005120831.html
4. https://thenationalreporterng.com/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated/
5. https://rifnote.com/2020/05/08/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated/
6. https://en.gaskiatv.com/business/nigeria-mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated/
7. https://africaneyereport.com/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated/
8. https://enugureporters.org/2020/05/10/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated/
9. https://rifnote.com/2020/05/09/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-regulated-2/
10. http://businesstimesafrica.net/index.php/telecoms/item/6025-mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-it-s-regulated
11. https://theworldnews.net/za-news/nigeria-mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-it-s-regulated
12. https://oasesnews.com/shout/item/29750-mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-it-s-regulated
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://theconversation.com/mobile-technology-can-improve-access-to-healthcare-in-nigeria-if-its-reg...
 
Description Policy Brief: COVOICES Bangladesh: Community perspectives on health in slums at the time of COVID-19 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In this policy brief (July 2020), we report key findings and recommendations from our country-specific study of mobile consulting in an informal urban setting in Dhaka, with an emphasis on community access to healthcare during the country's first COVID-19-related lockdown. The brief was circulated to community leaders and representatives in the study site, local and national decision makers in the government and NGO sectors, as well as researchers and academics through the institutional networks of Independent University, Bangladesh and Mitra and Associates. It has contributed to requests for further information and plans for future work in mobile consulting and telemedicine in Bangladesh.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/about/centres/wcfgh/mconsulting/policy_recommendations_for_telemed...
 
Description Policy Brief: Mobile Consulting: An Option to enhance Healthcare Access in Pakistan 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In this policy brief (May 2020), we report key findings and recommendations from our country-specific study of mobile consulting in a remote rural area of Karachi, Pakistan. The brief was circulated to community leaders and representatives in the study villages, local, provincial and national decision makers in the government and NGO sectors, as well as researchers and academics through the institutional networks of Aga Khan University. It has contributed to requests for further information and plans for future work in mobile consulting in remote areas in Pakistan.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/about/centres/wcfgh/mconsulting/pakistan-mconsulting-access-4_may_...
 
Description Policy Brief: Mobile consulting as an option for improving healthcare in low income settings 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In this policy brief (May 2020), we present findings and recommendations from our study on mobile consulting in communities with minimal healthcare access in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tanzania, Nigeria and Kenya. The brief was circulated to decision makers in each country and internationally. It was made available in each of the study sites (community leaders/representatives, healthcare workers, platform providers of mobile consulting) and was disseminated to academic and research audiences using our institutional networks. The brief resulted in requests for additional information and has contributed to plans for future research and networking activities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/about/centres/wcfgh/mconsulting/mobile_consulting_as_an_option_for...
 
Description Policy Brief: mConsulting as an option for improving access to healthcare in Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In this policy brief (May 2020), we report key findings and recommendations from our country-specific study of mobile consulting - its usage, regulations and modes of operation and possible policy responses - in Nigeria. The brief was circulated to community leaders and representatives in the two study sites, local and national decision makers in the government and NGO sectors, as well as researchers and academics through the institutional networks of the University of Ibadan. It has contributed to requests for further information and plans for future work in mobile consulting in Nigeria.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/about/centres/wcfgh/mconsulting/mconsulting_as_an_option_for_impro...
 
Description Press release and news conference University of Ibadan 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Prof. Akinyinka Omigbodun, Prof. Eme Owoaje and Dr Funke Fayehun of the University of Ibadan held a news conference and issued a press release reporting findings from our research.

The work received coverage in the following media sources in Nigeria:
1. Emiola, I. (2020). Healthcare: Researchers warn against compromise on mobile consulting. Newsverge, October 05, available online at https://newsverge.com/2020/10/05/healthcare-researchers-warn-against-compromise-on-mobile-consulting/
2. Adibayo R. (2020). Formulate policy to regulate, prevent data compromise in mConsulting , UI experts urge Nigerian Government Independent.ng, October 05, available online at https://www.independent.ng/formulate-policy-to-regulate-prevent-data-compromise-in-mconsulting-ui-experts-urges-nigerian-govt/
3. Staff reported (2020). Nigeria needs policy to regulate, prevent data compromise in mConsulting - UI experts, National Insight, October 05, available online at https://nationalinsightnews.com/nigeria-needs-policy-to-regulate-prevent-data-compromise-in-mconsulting-ui-experts/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Press release from King's College London 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Press release King's College London (2020). How COVID-19 mobile consulting could have long term benefits for communities with limited healthcare, May 18.highlighting research from our study, as published in Digital Health, that provides a framework for healthcare leaders to consider how to implement mobile consulting in their own services.

This press release was picked up the following media sources:
1. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/how-covid-19-mobile-consulting-could-have-long-term-benefits-for-communities-with-limited-healthcare
2. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/kings-project-part-of-uk-government-support-for-global-communities-impacted-by-covid-19
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/how-covid-19-mobile-consulting-could-have-long-term-benefits-for-communit...
 
Description Press release from Warwick University 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Press release: University of Warwick (2020). Communities with limited healthcare could receive boon from COVID-19 mobile consulting boom, May 15, highlighting research from our study, as published in Digital Health, that provides a framework for healthcare leaders to consider how to implement mobile consulting in their own services.
The website version (https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/communities_with_limited) received 760 hits.
The press release was sent by by email to 233 media contacts. It was also posted on AlphaGalileo, where it received 138 hits: https://www.alphagalileo.org/en-gb/Item-Display/ItemId/19260
The press release was republished by the following media sources
1. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-limited-healthcare-boon-covid-mobile.html
2. https://www.healthtechdigital.com/communities-with-limited-healthcare-could-receive-boon-from-covid-19-mobile-consulting-boom/
3. https://www.miragenews.com/communities-with-limited-healthcare-could-receive-boon-from-covid-19-mobile-consulting-boom/
4. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200515/Remote-consulting-practices-should-be-adopted-during-COVID-19-pandemic-say-researchers.aspx
9
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/communities_with_limited
 
Description Radio interview on mobile consulting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I was interviewed on Coventry Free Radio, UK about mobile consulting in low resource settings (14/09/2020)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Research Briefing Document from University of Ibadan 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Research Brief published in the University of Ibadan Research management News, which is widely circulated and read by academics, researchers, policy makers and medical practitioners in Nigeria. UI-Research News (2020): mConsulting as an option for improving access to heathcare in Nigeria, University of Ibadan Research Management News September, 2 (9)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/about/centres/wcfgh/mconsulting/ui_research_news_mconsulting_as_an...