Access is not enough: A look at what Better Evidence for Training Champions are doing to promote the use and uptake of evidence-based digital tools in Africa
Access is not enough: A look at what Better Evidence for Training Champions are doing to promote the use and uptake of evidence-based digital tools in Africa
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023-10-17
Authors
Grace A. Ajuwon, Aminu Musa Umar and Julie Rosenberg
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Introduction
Around the globe, more than two million health care providers are consulting the evidence-based clinical content on UpToDate for answers to their clinical questions. The digital tool is used more than 1.7 million times per day. It’s also the only resource of its kind to be associated with health improved outcomes.For many years, UpToDate was out of reach for those with limited resources due to the high cost. Now, a program called Better Evidence is making it available in about 60 African medical schools for free. Providing free access to the tool is not enough, there is the need to promote registration and usage. Without encouragement, training,
and support, the free access goes unused. Implementation efforts are essential.
Objective
The main objective of the study is to examine the Better Evidence for Training Champion’s role in promoting uptake, adoption, and use of UpToDate and other clinical decision support tools in partner institutions (medical schools) across Africa.MethodsChampions have implemented many innovative programs using different strategies. These includes launching communication campaigns (WhatsApp, Telegraph, Email, posters and flyers), offering training, engaging faculty, appointing student ambassadors, attending orientation for new students or other events where potential users are congregating, and more to promote uptake and use of clinical decision support tools in their institutions as well as affiliate sites.
Results
Over time, usage and tool registration have increased at every single institution. Schools that recently joined the program usually see <10% of eligible registrants engage with the tools. Schools participating in the program for the longest have the highest registration and usage rates. At Cohort 1 schools, more than 67% of eligible users were registered after three years, with registration rates slightly lower for each
consecutive cohort.
Conclusion
Local advocacy and innovation are essential for promoting the use of new digital technologies and informatics tools, even when such tools are known to be beneficial. It takes time for people to adopt new tools.
Description
The 17th Congress of The Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA), Equitable Access to Health Information: The Key to Better Health Proceedings of the 17th AHILA Congress, Hosted by the University of Botswana Library16th -20th October 2023 At the University of Botswana Conference Centre, Gaborone