araya-thesis

Chapter 1
Aim of this thesis
This study tested and investigated the feasibility and usability of an mHealth application
for routine health data collection and patient assessment in relation to maternal health
care, as delivered by HEWs and midwives at PHC settings in Ethiopia. The ultimate goal
of this thesis is to shed light on the needs of health workers for mobile technologies
and demonstrate lessons learned, along with considerations and recommendations for
optimum use and integration of an mHealth application that employs electronic forms
on smartphones for patient assessment and routine collection of health data relevant
to maternal health care at PHC in Ethiopia.
Research questions
With the specific aim in mind, the following research questions were formulated:
1. What is the contribution of HEWs to improving utilisation of maternal health
services by rural women in Ethiopia
2. Do HEWs have adequate knowledge on maternal health care in that they can
facilitate early detection of danger signs and complications in pregnancy and
facilitate referral when needed
3. What are HEWs’ and midwives’ mHealth technical needs and considerations for
maternal health care services delivery
4. Is introducing and implementing an mHealth application for routine health data
collection and patient assessment in relation to maternal health care at PHC
settings in Ethiopia feasible in terms of acceptability, demand, practicality,
implementation and integration dimensions
5. What is the extent of use of electronic forms on smartphones by HEWs and
midwives, and the barriers and facilitators in using electronic such interface
6. Does using electronic forms on smartphones for routine collection of health data
improve data quality in terms of completeness and accuracy
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