09–Strengthening Information Systems and Linkages to Care

09 – Strengthening Information Systems and Linkages to Care

09 – Strengthening Information Systems and Linkages to Care

4.2 Pilot

Before going live, each feature should be piloted in the field to ensure that it is working as expected.

There are many reasons as to why a system may not function as intended, for example:

  • The software development team did not understand exactly what was needed.
  • The programme team did not understand field realities.

While there is no guarantee that the pilot will bring all gaps in an information system to light, the process usually serves to highlight any major issues. It is important to remember that exposing a large number of users to a problematic system on day one may lead to a loss of trust that is very hard to rebuild, even once the problems are fixed. By piloting the system with a small number of users in a specific area, this risk is minimized. Programmes must plan for pilots, building them into budgets and project timelines. Not planning for pilots and rushing to roll systems out quickly to meet unrealistic timelines can result in the complete failure of an information system.

Box 4. Phases of service delivery and feature enhancements under NIKSHAY*

Phases 1, 2, 3, 4: Basic Information about facilities and officials in the RNTCP, information on TB cases initiated on DOTS, notification of TB and registration system: This will involve registration of health establishments and data entry of notified TB cases at TU and district level.
Phase 5: Programmatic Management of DR-TB: Details of MDR-TB requests and results will be uploaded by DST labs, and treatment details will be uploaded by the treatment centres.
Phase 6: SMS-based treatment monitoring and follow-up: Push query and pull information on treatment adherence from DOT provider on a weekly basis with periodic SMS alerts to patients.
Phase 7, 8: Linkages between facilities for transfer and referral: Linkage of various public health establishments and track the transfer of patients from one centre to another. The data entry for referral will be done at the TU level and the receiving TU will be alerted through various channels.
Phase 9: Handheld device use: NIKSHAY application will be made available on Android handheld devices.
Phase 10: Multiple entry mode: This will include mapping and defining the output of automatic machines for rapid diagnostics for TB.
Phase 11, 12: Web-based TB notification and mobile, IVRS-based notification for private health facilities
Phase 13: Automated output with inbuilt statistical software 4
Phase 14: Programme management: This phase will enable electronic transfer of incentives to relevant stakeholders, including medicine and logistics management.
Phase 15: Proposal tracking system
Phase 16: GIS mapping of DR-TB cases & TB cases notified

 

*From ‘NIKSHAY’ – harnessing Information technology for delivery of enhanced TB care by R. Jitendra. http://medind.nic.in/nac/t12/i1/nact12i1p4.pdf

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