Welcome mHealth for Logistics: Solving Data Challenges through Mobile Technology

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Resource Intensiveness of Mobile Solutions

Resource Intensiveness- Mobile Data Collection

Mobile Forms for Data Collection Megan Noel SC4CCM Project

What logistics data can the tool provide to program implementers and decision makers? Physical counts Stockout rates Stock Status Order Fill Rates Lead times Reporting, training, coverage Any system level M&E data

Who is trained to use the technology? Intuitive design interface Data collectors need basic training – SC4CCM held 7-8 day training on Magpi and SC, including 2-day pre-test Simple to enter, edit, save, and send data using forms

What kinds of hardware are needed/can be used? Design: Computer with internet (high speed preferred), and mobile device to verify functions work correctly Data collection: any of 47 models of mobile device (brands include Nokia, Samsung, SonyEricsson, Apple, Android) Nokia e71, used by SC4CCM, costs around $120

What software is used and approximately what does it cost? The application is called Magpi, available for free download Additional costs for greater storage space, special features Data can be loaded and sent to the online database by cellular, wifi, or cable connection to the mobile device

Data Security Phone Password protected on all devices Encryption All Blackberry, iPhone/iPad Some Android (not all devices) Transmission/Uploading Encrypted to 256 bit strong standard Online Password protected, encrypted, backed up 4x daily (including to remote site), monitored 24/7/365

Data Outputs

Basic Analysis LabelNameCodeValue% AYes BNo Total Is the stock card available for cotrimoxazole 120mg tabs? MeasureValue Mean Maximum Minimum0.0 What is the physical count (usable stock only) of cotrimoxazole 480mg tabs today?

Advantages Easy to design data collection tools Eliminates need for data entry before viewing data, allows trouble shooting if needed while teams are still in the field Flexible to accept many kinds of data – open text, bivariate, multiple response, coded- numeric or text Multiple ways to transmit data to site Relatively low cost

Limitations Limited ability to perform calculations within the program – do this after data are collected, ex.OFR, stock status Smart phones can be prohibitively expensive for community and low resource settings Heavy front end work (design and training) required for larger data collection activities

Programs: Available programs using ODK (Open Data Kit) platforms: –iFormBuilder, FormHub, ODK Collect, KoBo Toolbox Proprietary software: –Magpi, CommCare *All require some programming skills except Magpi

Thank you!

Resource Intensiveness- Sending SMS to a Database

Using Basic SMS Systems for Logistics Data Mike Frost USAID | DELIVER PROJECT

In a typical paper-based LMIS, detail is often lost between levels Facility District Region

Transmitting essential logistics data via SMS can help

17670 # 23 # 0 # 71 # 2 # 0 # 41 # 30 # 2 # 0 Send the above message at the end of every Friday: Start the message with Separate every entry with # Do not use spaces Enter information for every product, in the order indicated CodeCONDOMS Issued CONDOMS Received CONDOMS Physical count MICROGYNON Issued MICROGYNON Received MICROGYNON Physical count DEPO Issued DEPO Received DEPO Physical Count Send every Friday (Family Planning)

The options are growing…

Activities Assessment activity Design (products, data elements, forms, dashboard, etc.) Training Testing

Costs Any assistance with assessment Any assistance with design Magpi pro user license (5,000 USD annual. SMS? Gateway?) Training

Use Cases Limited set of facilities Limited set of products Concept testing Sentinel Sites

Thanks

Resource Intensiveness- Existing Mobile Logistics Platforms

Using a Customizable Platform Leona Rosenblum John Snow, Inc.

What logistics data can the tool provide to program implementers and decision makers? Routine logistics data Snapshot survey data Supervision data

Who is trained to use the technology? Data entry- All levels Dashboards and reporting- Supervisors, decision makers

What kinds of hardware are needed/can be used? Basic feature phones- send data by SMS Smart phones- design forms for more complex data capture Computer with internet connection- manage system

What software is used and approximately what does it cost? Several software platforms exist, with multiple pricing models. All include an online platform for building forms and managing data. Pricing plans are per user, per facility, and can include training.

Why choose a customizable platform? Robust system Pre-tested Upgrades Customer Service

Why not? Not open source Funding Limits to customizability Sustainability

What are some options? Mango-Greenmash LogiMobile and LogiWeb-Logistimo CommTrack-Dimagi Others?

Thank You

Resource Intensiveness- Develop a System

ILSGateway: Developing a Mobile System to Improve the Availability of Essential Medicines Marasi Mwencha USAID | DELIVER PROJECT TANZANIA

Integrated Logistics System (ILS) Supply Chain Challenges Stock outs of essential medicines Infrequent adherence to reporting groups Difficulties with ordering and reporting Absence of facility level data for decision-makers Insufficient logistics supervision at health facilities Need to empower new and untrained staff

ILSGateway: The Solution The ILSGateway is a mobile health alert and reporting system designed to support and strengthen the ILS by: –Expanding the accessibility to and visibility of logistics data –Improving the use of logistics data for supply chain decision-making

What logistics data does the ILSGateway provide program implementers and decision makers? Stock on hand Losses & adjustments Calculated consumption Supervision frequency Lead times Reporting rates Stock outs GIS reports

What kind of hardware are required to be used? Personal cell phone Personal computer with web connectivity

Who is trained to use the technology? MOHSW program managers District Pharmacists and Medical Officers Health care workers from health facilities Medical Stores Department NGOs

What software is used and approximately what does it cost? RapidSMS – an open source platform SMS aggregation services Initial cost of ~$50,000 With subsequent enhancements the total spent to date has been ~$200,000

Pros of building on RapidSMS Robust platform Open source Multiple developers available for support Readily customizable for the country needs

Challenges encountered Time frame it took to build system Cost for customizations System limitations

Impact of mHealth on Supply Chain increase in reporting rates & adherence to reporting groups improvement in attention to inventory management increase in product availability at health facilities Increased accountability, transparency and responsibility Growing use of data for supply chain management Improved supply chain performance

Thank You

Questions