Mhealth for maternal and child health (MCH) monitoring, evaluation and research

We will be unable to achieve sustained impact on health outcomes with maternal and child health (MCH) interventions unless we bridge the gap between small scale efficacy studies and large scale interventions. Effective strategies to support monitoring and evaluation of MCH interventions and conduct large scale MCH research are central to bridging the gap. Inexpensive and easy to use, mobile phones are broadly available, particularly in LMIC, where penetration approaches 100%. This technology represents an effective option for MCH monitoring, evaluation and research. Our South African team has successfully used mobile (mHealth) technology to support and evaluate MCH health interventions for the past 6 years. In partnership with a mobile technology company we developed a system to use mobile phones in the field (communities and health facilities) with a web-based interface utilized by supervisors. Computerized algorithms were designed with intervention and assessment protocols to aid in the real-time supervision and management of field work and collection of research data. Our work has included management and evaluation of two community cluster randomized trials and national facility-based surveillance of the South African National PMTCT program. The latter system manages data from over 10,000 infants from every region of the country. We are able to monitor enrolment data daily, track progress, and manage field staff. Analytical screens monitor field worker performance and measure health outcomes. Results are readily available for feedback to stakeholders and program managers. The system has proved useful for both cross-sectional and cohort tracking, data collection and data management.