Domin Sone Majunda Ekaney^2,4, Brice KITIO¹, Arthur NGANSOP¹, Anastase Dzudié^2,3,5, ClarancePetipe Kappe¹

Authors’ affiliations

1. Guidelines advisory Network for Africa (GANEO), Paris, France. 
2. Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy (CRENC), Douala, Cameroon
3. Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
4. Batoke Integrated Health Centre, Limbe, Cameroon
5. Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon

Corresponding author: Anastase Dzudie. MD, PhD, FESC. Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy. Cell: +237679617981, Email: Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser.

Abstract

Background: Digital health has the potential to facilitate early detection and referral of hypertension cases by non-physicians. We aim to evaluate community health worker (CHW) perception and use of a digital tool, GANEO-App, for hypertension in Cameroon.

Methods: The study employed two phases of testing to evaluate the usability of GANEO – App for community health workers (CHWs). Six CHWs from the Batoke health area participated in the Usability test. Phase I was 1:1 session. After navigating in app and using the App to perform tasks associated with clinical case scenario, CHWs completed usability assessment includingthe System Usability Scale. In phase II, two focus groups were organized with CHWs. Focus groups were audio-taped. The focus group transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: All CHWs reported that they would like to use GANEO-App frequently. 4 of 6 agreed that the various functions of GANEO-app were well integrated. Most CHWs (5/6) reported that they will need the support and training to use GANEO-APP. In focus group, CHWs highlighted that GANEO-app will facilitate the management of hypertension with minimal workload, improve access to medical personnel. CHWssaid they will encourage other CHWs to use the app, but they expressed the need to simplify the medical language in the app.

Conclusion: GANEO – app was found to have high levels of acceptability and usability among CHWs and has the potential to facilitate the management of hypertension with minimal workload. Future feasibility testing in a prospective study will firmly establish the reliability, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of GANEO-App.

Key words: Digital health; hypertension, community health workers, primary health care.