Submission ID 118568
| Issue/Objective | The ApproTech project explores how digital health tools can enhance the continuity and quality of care in 27 community health centers across Mali, particularly in resource-limited and crisis-affected settings. As digital health solutions are increasingly promoted to strengthen health systems in remote areas, questions remain regarding their adoption, sustainability, and ability to meet local needs. This study evaluates the use and impact of selected tools-such as OpenClinic and connected glasses-deployed in these centers. It emphasizes the importance of addressing equity, gender, and local context to ensure that digital health innovations are both accessible and effective in improving health outcomes. |
|---|---|
| Methodology/Approach | Data collection was conducted in 2024 across 27 health centers located in five regions of Mali. The study involved 128 healthcare professionals and was carried out in close collaboration with Malian partners, including a digital health expert and two local researchers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and translated from Bambara when necessary. Transcripts were analyzed using QDA Miner software to identify key themes and patterns related to the use and impact of the tools. |
| Results | The study highlights three key findings: (1) gender-based disparities in the use of digital health tools; (2) context-dependent levels of appropriation, shaped by infrastructure and local dynamics; and (3) financial impacts on health centers. These findings point to the need for culturally and structurally sensitive approaches in the design and implementation of digital health tools. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Key recommendations include co-developing implementation strategies with local actors, integrating participatory evaluation, and ensuring equitable, ongoing training. The project underscores how strong local partnerships and context-aware assessments can improve the relevance, uptake, and sustainability of digital health innovations in remote and crisis-sensitive settings. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Sarah Stecko CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Michèle Rietmann CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Gabriel Blouin-Genest CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Jennyfer Boudreau CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Natalia Torres Orozco CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Souleymane Sawadogo CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Tatiana Smirnova CIDIS - Université de Sherbrooke Souleymane Sidibe FMOS - 'Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako Issa Souleymane Goita FMOS - 'Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako Drissa Mansa Sidibe FMOS - 'Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako |
