Study to assess the feasibility of HDA app:
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Date
2018-12
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences- Western Campus
Abstract
Background: The Health Directory and Authentication App (HDA App), is an m-Health
innovation designed to provide offline information and verification for all medicines, health
facilities and health professionals (HPs) by the general public/consumers. The App, which is
composed of2 systems i.e. Drug Information and Verification System (DIVS) and Health Facility
Verification System (HFVS), is aimed at improving quality and safety of health care services in
Uganda, by promoting rational medicine use (RMU) through an improved access to patients'
medicine information while reducing professional misconduct, prevalence of illegal health
workers and facilities, unsafe medicines (expired, recalled, banned etc.) on the market and
potentially substandard/counterfeit drugs. HDA App is also intended to improve public -
government collaboration in implementing regulatory functions through an inbuilt feedback
mechanism.
Study aims: In this work, a feasibility study of the DIVS was conducted aimed at 1) developing a
working prototype out of the HDA concept, 2) assessing the level of acceptability and usability of
the DVlS and 3) elucidating the challenges which may be associated with its future implementation
and use.
Study methods: Study pmticipants were key informants who included health professionals, IT
specialists and patients in a) public health facilities (n = 17; 22%), b) private facilities (n = 21;
25%), c) non-government organizations (n = 20, 22%), d) regulators i.e. health professional
councils and National Drug Authority (n =II; 10%) and e) professional associations (n = 2; 3%)
and the general public/patients (n = 16; 18%). This qualitative study involved use of an
introductory video, a hands-on demonstration of the App using the developed prototype and both
open and closed ended questions in a researcher-guided interview using a questionnaire. SPSS
version 20 was used for data analysis.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the a ward of a bachelors degree of pharmacy of Kampala International University Uganda
Keywords
HDA appd, Drug information system, Drug verification system, Uganda