araya-thesis

Mobile health data collection
summarized. In‐depth interviews were conducted at the middle of the actual
implementation period. A total of six in‐depth interviews with two HEWs, two
supervisors and two midwives were conducted using an interview guide, which was
prepared using a review of literature [12,13], and designed in semi‐structured format
with open‐ended and probing questions. All interviews were conducted at the health
workers’ working institution by research members using the local language, in which
they were also native speakers. The interviews were conducted in three rounds. All
interviews were tape recorded and data transcribed verbatim in the local language
before translation to English. The actual number of records submitted to a central
database server by the health workers using the application was extracted from the
database.
Data analysis
Data were analysed qualitatively using directed content analysis [14]. We used five
major dimensions of feasibility for our analysis: acceptability, demand, practicality,
implementation and integration [13]. Acceptability refers to the health workers’
perception on whether the application is satisfying and suitable for their work. Demand
refers to the intention of health workers to continue using the application. Practicality
refers to the factors that affect the implementation and usage of the application by
health workers. Implementation addresses the actual execution of the application by
health workers and the resources needed for its success. Integration refers to the
extent to which this application can be integrated and used at primary health care
settings. Data were carefully examined and constantly compared to these five
dimensions of feasibility through the researchers’ deductive and inductive reasoning.
The transcribed and translated data were initially read to form a general impression,
then coded using both open coding and code by list procedures using ATLAS.ti50
software. Codes were then compared and contrasted to formulate sub‐categories
within a dimension and across the data sets using a constant comparison method.
Trustworthiness
We employed a combination of methods for data collection, including gathering field
notes of observations on regular basis and conducting in‐depth interviews. The
research team comprised different experts in maternal health, research methods (both
qualitative and quantitative methods), and software engineering. Research members
participated throughout the research process in study design, data collection, analysis
and write up. Findings were discussed and summarized among research members. The
study and data collection was spread over 9 months which provided ample opportunity
for researchers to understand the factors affecting the feasibility of using and
introducing smartphone based mHealth applications and electronic forms at a primary
health care setting.
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