Publication:

Factors influencing, SWOT analysis and emerged strategies for improving the use of digital data platforms in immunisation program by frontline health care providers: a study from rural Eastern India

Background Digital health is a multidisciplinary concept that intermingles technology and healthcare for better service provision. Recently, these platforms are getting better utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic. We attempted to understand the factors influencing the use of digital data platforms by the frontline health workers and do a situational analysis using SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity and threats) framework.

Methods We adopted a qualitative research method to explore both internal and external factors in a rural block of Odisha, India. 15 In-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted among the FHWs telephonically. Analysis was done using MAXQDA software. Based on findings and extensive literature review, a conceptual framework was developed.

Results The study explored that elder age, low education, less interest, fear of health problems, less experience in using applications, married, and work duplication were the internal factors causing reluctance and, user-friendliness, the language for operating, training on application use, handholding support, including troubleshooting, availability of internet, network and electric power supply were the external factors that influence the use. Further, opportunities such as the availability of IT platforms for data storage and troubleshooting, technological advancement, Government promotional initiatives and availability of resources through other programs could be strategically leveraged. Also, our study proposes strategies such as making the applications simple, informative, and user-friendly using advanced technology, better development of applications that are leveraging the "digital India" initiative.

Conclusions Exploring and understanding the situational factors and based on that, adopting context-appropriate strategies will help to achieve better and wider use of the digital platforms.