Effectiveness of an mHealth system on access to eye health services in Kenya

Article Name: Effectiveness of an mHealth system on access to eye health services in Kenya: a cluster-randomised controlled trial.

What are the takeaway points from this article?

This study evaluated a mobile innovation in 36 randomized community clusters (n=128,591) in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, to increase the accessibility of vision care services. The group introduced a smartphone-based referral system named Peek Community Eye Health which contains support algorithms, SMS reminders, and real-time reporting. It was found that this mobile system increased primary care attendance in patients experiencing ocular problems compared to the standard care, health-centre based control group (rate difference 906 per 10,000 participants). The Peek Community Eye Health system also helped determine the appropriate allocation of specific services to the given population. This shows promise for this innovation to increase service uptake and connect individuals with the right services, which is especially important in communities with limited access to care.

Reference:

Rono H, Bastawrous A, Macleod D, Mamboleo R, Bunywera C, Wanjala E, Gichuhi S, Burton MJ. Effectiveness of an mHealth system on access to eye health services in Kenya: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. The Lancet (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(21)00083-2

Date Published: July, 2021

Summary by: Neil Kamra