Brice KITIO1*, Christie LINONGE ETOMBI2, Arthur NGANSOP1, Liliane KUATE MFEUKEU3, André – Pascal KENGNE4, Domin SONE MAJUNDA EKANEY2, Clarance Petipe KAPPE1, Anastase DZUDIÉ2
1Guidelines Advisory Network, France;2Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy;3Yaounde Central Hospital;4Non-communicable Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
CaHReF 2018, Yaoundé Congres hall, 08 – 11 January 2019 , OERF039
Background: The highest prevalence of hypertension globally is found in Africa, where awareness, treatment and control remain very low. Digital health technology may serve as a cost-effective and scalable tool to increase awareness and access to adequate care.
Objectif: We here describe the design and development of m-THYPA, a mobile platform for early detection, referral and management of people with hypertension in Africa.
Methodology: A 3-phase process was used to develop a comprehensive digital platform for hypertension prevention. In phase I, multidisciplinary team of physicians, pharmacists, engineers worked together to develop and test the mobile platform. Literature review was performed to identify the essential features of a digital tool for hypertension. These features were mapped with the requirement from the physicians in Cameroon to develop the first prototype. In phase II, community health workers (CHWs) were recruited to test the usability test of the prototype. In phase III, we are planning to conduct a prospective pilot study to test the effectiveness of the platform.
Results: Phase I and II were completed. M-THYPA platform included a mobile application embedded in tablets. The mobile App has two modules: one for CHWs and another for physicians. The two modules communicate via a secure cloud. CHW's module included: (1) evidence-based cardiovascular disease risk tool with referral recommendations (2) personalised lifestyle advice (3) monitoring of treatment adherence (4) education and support. Physician's module enables easy access to data collected by CHWs, consultation and to set personalised goals. The usability test during phase II demonstrated a high rate of acceptability and usability by CHWs.
Conclusion/Recommandation: m-THYPA has the potential to improve the early management of hypertension. Future feasibility testing in a prospective study will firmly establish the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of m-THYPA.
Key Words: Hypertension, Digital Health, Primary-health-care, Community-health-workers, Early-detection