PloS one
Enablers and barriers to Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) usage in Kenya: A Work System Framework Analysis of frontline health worker experiences
By Kagiri M, Wagacha P, Ochieng D and 8 others.
Abstract
Introduction
The Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) is Kenya's flagship digital health solution rolled out to strengthen community health service delivery and accelerate progress towards achieving universal health coverage. Despite its widespread rollout, evidence from global health initiatives affirms that the mere presence of a system doesn't guarantee meaningful use. Consistent eCHIS usage by frontline health workers remains a critical determinant of realising anticipated benefits, underscoring the need to understand the context-dependent enablers and barriers influencing such consistent usage, based on users' lived experiences.
Methods
The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design in three counties, conducting 22 interviews. A total of 12 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), 6 Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and 4 county focal persons participated in the study. The qualitative data were transcribed and analysed thematically using NVivo, guided by the Work System Framework (WSF), which examined usage across four dimensions: participants, information, technology, and processes.