The COVID pandemic has shown us the urgent need for strong primary health care models and innovations. Many ambitious and impactful innovations and models are left undocumented, not studied or published. This diminishes the opportunity to learn, replicate and hopefully scale. This database of innovations and comprehensive primary healthcare models aims to highlight these solutions. It will be a living document that evolves with India's primary health care landscape.
Learn More View DatabaseSwasti is a Health Catalyst whose mission is to support and enable vulnerable peoples and communities, to have and make the right choices to lead healthy lives. This also means supporting change agents to embody this mission, and thus reach more communities together.
As we researched and built this database, we learnt invaluable lessons and stories that are worth sharing with the global health community at large. The focus of these lessons here is to show what works where, how, why, and towards what. The goal is to inspire readers to take these learnings, and their own, from these stories to implement in their own practice and communities.
The solutions are presented in any one of the 4 formats:
The identified solutions can be found in single or multiple categories based on their intervention type or main goal. You can interact with the database by searching for the types of evidence or health systems components.
Click here to learn more about the categories.
Yadav et al.
Summary
The paper documents efforts initiated in building capacity of law enforcers and NGOs for effective implementation of tobacco control laws in the state of Bihar, and provides a multi-strategy model for tobacco control interventions for replication. The framework recognizes six steps to strengthen tobacco control efforts at subnational level, viz. needs assessment, capacity building of multisectoral stakeholders, formation of inter-departmental administrative committees, advocacy (upstream and downstream), monitoring and reporting mechanism for assessing enforcement of the Indian tobacco control law, and media engagement.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Capacity building and training of law enforcers and NGO personnel from the state on various provisions of COTPA and WHO-FCTC. Within 2 years after the first meeting of the State Tobacco Control Coordination Committee (STCCC), 7 capacity building workshops were held. A total of 196 law enforcers were sensitized on tobacco control laws and policies.
Impact Evaluations
Nadkarni et al.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Counselling for Alcohol Problems (CAP), a brief psychological treatment delivered by lay counselors to patients with harmful drinking attending routine primary health-care settings. Primary outcomes were remission and mean daily alcohol consumed in the past 14 days, at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included effects of drinking, disability score, days unable to work, suicide attempts, intimate partner violence, and resource use and costs of illness. Analyses were on an intention-to-treat basis.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): AUDIT score of less than 8 and mean daily alcohol consumption in the past 14 days immediately preceding the 3 month outcome assessment.
Impact Evaluations
Acharya & Rai
Summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telemedicine on patients and medical specialists. This pilot study was conducted in two phases in a nodal Telemedicine Specialty Centre (TSC) in Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad. The first phase had a separate questionnaire for medical specialists from different branches of medicine. The second phase had questions for patients from the North-Eastern states of India. A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 122 participants on satisfaction in quality of service, cost‑effectiveness and problems encountered in healthcare provided by telemedicine.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: All doctors were satisfied with the treatment given through TSC. Most doctors responded that they got desirable results on the diagnosis of the patient and an increase in patient’s inflow. Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): 80% of patients were satisfied with treatment quality. Almost all participants found telemedicine cost‑effective and time convenient
Impact Evaluations
Agarwal R et al.
Summary
This study conducted a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial in 15 primary health centers (PHCs) in the state of Haryana in India to test the effectiveness of a multipronged quality management strategy. The 21-month duration of the study was divided into seven periods of 3 months each. The primary outcomes included the number of women approaching the PHCs for childbirth and 12 essential practices related to childbirth. Outcomes were adjusted with a random effect for the cluster (PHC) and a fixed effect for ‘months of intervention’.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: A multipronged quality management strategy enhanced the utilization of services and modestly improved key practices around the time of childbirth in PHCs.
Organizational outcomes: 22% increase in the number of women approaching PHCs for childbirth during the intervention period.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): No difference in maternal or neonatal mortality rates or stillbirths between the two periods.
Impact Evaluations
Weobong et al.
Summary
The study aimed to evaluate the sustained effectiveness and the cost- effectiveness of the Healthy Activity Programme (HAP) over 12 months and to assess behavioural activation. The HAP is a contextually adapted brief psychological treatment based on behavioural activation that focuses on increasing patient activation levels in pleasurable or mastery activities, and comprises the following strategies: psychoeducation, behavioural assessment, activity monitoring, activity structuring and scheduling, activation of social networks, and problem solving
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): HAP participants maintained the gains they showed at the end of treatment through the 12-month period, with lower symptom severity scores than participants who received EUC (Enhanced usual care) alone and higher rates of remission; these effects were partly mediated by increased levels of behavioural activation reported at 3 months.
Impact Evaluations
Agarwal S et al.
Summary
This study examines the role of community health workers in retaining women in the maternity care continuum. It uses the example of the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programme in India to assess the association between individual and cluster-level exposure to ASHA and four key components along the continuum of care. To understand which services experience a maximum dropout, a linear probability model was used to calculate the weighted percentages of using each service and a multinomial logistic regression model was adjusted for dropout.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: ASHA services had significantly higher reported use of ANC-1 and SBA. ANC-4 and PNC were the two services that were most frequently missed. No significant differences in the use of services across the different levels of exposure intensity.
Unintended outcomes: Exposure to ASHA is strongly associated with the service initiation and continuation along the maternity continuum, but not completion of service utilization along the continuum.
Impact Evaluations
Aradhna Aggarwal
Summary
The objective is to capture the programme impacts on health outcomes across different medical events and on economic outcomes that are slightly structural in nature. The study evaluates the impact of India’s Yeshasvini Community-Based Health Insurance (http://sahakara.kar.gov.in/Yashasivini.html) programme. Randomly selected 4109 households in rural Karnataka were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The paper evaluates the programme’s impacts using propensity score matching (PSM) methods. A comprehensive set of indicators was developed and the quality of matching was tested.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes(Population level): Programme has increased health-care use among insured households. Treatment outcomes are also positive but vary across socio-economic groups and the type of medical event. Social outcomes: Clear evidence of a shift away from the use of government facilities to private facilities. There is strong evidence that CBHI provides substantial financial protection.
Impact Evaluations
Ahuja et al.
Summary
The objective is to determine the coverage, utilisation and feasibility of the mental health service scheme being implemented in PHCs. Paper also aims to develop a set of indicators for routine monitoring of mental health services for Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, India. By using a sequential exploratory mixed methods design, key mental health indicators measuring service delivery and system performance were developed for the context of Madhya Pradesh, India. The research design involved a situation analysis, and conducting a prioritisation exercise and consultation workshops with key stakeholders.
Outcomes/Observations
Organisational outcomes: Local experts take part in the prioritisation and planning in the development of indicators for routine monitoring of mental health services in primary health care. The study generated, prioritised and selected nine mental health indicators that can be used to examine whether people with mental illnesses are effectively covered by the public mental health services.
Impact Evaluations
Ahuja et al.
Summary
The paper assesses the acceptability, feasibility, perceived costs and sustainability of implementing indicators relating to integrated mental health service coverage in six South Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries. A qualitative study using semi-structured key informant interviews was conducted. The ‘Performance of Routine Information Systems’ framework served as the basis for a coding framework covering three main categories related to the performance of new tools introduced to collect data on mental health indicators: (1) technical; (2) organisation; and (3) behavioural determinants.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Implementation strategies such as training courses and supervision were reported to be essential. Organisational outcomes: Simplicity of the forms, motivation, competence of health workers, and perceived use of mental health indicators, were reported as facilitators for better implementation outcomes. Various new indicators developed were reported to have contributed to mental health service improvement.
Impact Evaluations
Ahuja et al.
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the use of key mental health indicators in seven health care facilities in Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The study employed a mixed methods approach, including a qualitative study with health workers, HMIS staff, project coordinators and supervisors, a review of case records, and a structured questionnaire with health workers. The performance, user-friendliness, appropriateness, perceived utility and sustainability of the use of new mental health indicators was assessed.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Simplicity of the forms, as well as technical support from the project team, contributed to the acceptability and feasibility of implementation.
Organizational outcomes: Most practitioners reported that nurses are competent enough to lead data collection tasks within mental health programmes. Staff shortages and other priorities made it difficult for nurses to complete registers and conduct counseling sessions.
Unintended outcomes: Staff perception of the burden due to new forms increased over time.
Impact Evaluations
Amritanand et al.
Summary
The study objective was to determine the prevalence of perceived visual impairment, rate of follow-up post-referral, distribution of ocular morbidity, visual impairment, proportion of appropriate referrals and to compare results of this intervention with those of existing services. In this cross-sectional study, patients screened and referred to primary eye care services from September 2014 to March 2015 underwent comprehensive ocular examination by an optometrist and ophthalmologist. They piloted a model wherein CHWs administered a modified WHO questionnaire for identifying perceived visual disability.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: There was 39.6% increase in patients seeking eye care services at the rural peripheral eye clinics before and after the project.
Health and wellbeing outcomes(Population-level): Most common pathology was refractive errors in rural population and cataract among the tribal population. Most common cause of visual impairment was cataracts in both populations.
Impact Evaluations
Nilakshi Biswas
Summary
The Noolpuzha Primary Health Center's success is the restult of a brillant show of leadership, headed by Dr. Dahar Muhammed. The primary health center's focus was solely on providing for it's community and that vision manifested in multiple innovations within the center. This included digitalized records that allowed providers to be more understanding of the patient's background, history, and needs before they stepped into the room, a community garden to rectify nutritional deficiencies and a sense of community ownership. Many tribal women held jobs in the Family Health Center. They performed tasks such as making brown paper bags for medicine and growing different foods in the community park. These connections were created and fostered by Dr. Dahar who utilized every ounce of funding he could manage from the local panchayat, national grants, and other funds usually stored for village infrastructures. He became a medium of integration between the health system and the community by connecting health needs to livelihoods, village infrastructure, and other determinants of health to the primary health center itself.
Case Studies
Purnima Ranawat
Summary
The Institute of Health Management Pachod (IHMP) has used the process of community based monitoring at the local level to collect data about the population health needs and attitudes to identify and plan the right kinds of health services and interventions keeping in mind the existing national strategies and policies. They were able to make dynamic decisions and focus on the most deeply felt need to deliver interventions (e.g. Life skills and health education to adolescent girls) that improved both the health (e.g. sexual and reproductive health) and non-health outcomes (e.g. education and violence etc). Community acceptance and ownership of primary health ensured sustained health outcomes.
Case Studies
Arushi Pandey
Summary
The KC Patty PHC (Kodaikanal) model is led by health workers and volunteers as opposed to a doctor-led approach. These health workers are selected from the community (by the community as well as by the centre) and trained in specific protocols and guidelines to screen, diagnose, refer and manage common clinical conditions in case of absence of proper referral facilities and follow-up with non-adherent patients. Agricultural workers from the community often volunteer at the PHC in their spare time to provide basic acute and preventive care. The volunteers and the healthcare workers screen the populations and assess health (immunization, child health etc) and non-health outcomes (patient satisfaction, utilization of services etc.) regularly. They set priorities and correct course of action and based on the community needs and outcomes.
Case Studies
Piyashree Mukherjee
Summary
Community-Based Monitoring and Planning is not just another monitoring tool. The backbone of this initiative is the community, who is fighting for their right to health. Therefore, the starting point for SATHI is strengthening the community’s understanding of their rights and responsibility to partner with the local government to effectively plan and be accountable for public health services. The CBMP model thus focuses on capacity building of the committee members (representatives of the community, members of the Gram Panchayat, the ASHA worker, the Anganwadi worker, the ANM) providing clarity about their role in keeping the local health services accountable.
Case Studies
Bhumika Nanda
Summary
Dr. Shridhar along with his graduate students designed a teleconsultation screening program for detecting oral canceros lesions early on, preventing deadly complications and expensive procedures. This program was successful as it was focused specifically to one community, with considerable time being spent in achieving community buy in. The implementation was done through outreach workers rathr than healthcare providers and the system ran through whatsapp, limiting the amount of time and effort spent in adoption as most community members were familiar with this technology. The combination of community participation and low cost, highly adaptive and streamlined digital solutions lent to it's quick success in high numbers of screenings and in turn diagnoses. This model has the potential to be scaled up if the success factors are adapted carefully
Case Studies
Ahana Chatterjee
Summary
The mPower heart project is a multilayered innovation that tackles the issue of the rising burden of NCDs coupled with small numbers of providers able to treat and manage these conditions. mPower utilizes a feasible and sustainable intervention to screen for hypertension and diabetes mellitus in primary care settings, rather than tertiary, where a nurse coordinator is the first point of contact. The system is fairly easy to use with the nurse coordinators entering patient information such as demographics, medical history, symptoms, screening results generating personalized prescriptions, including counselling services, recommendations on diet, tobacco, physical activity and medication compliance to promote self-management. The success of this project however hinges on building acceptance of technology as a support to clinical care. A decision support system only is powerful when all members of the healthcare team adopt and utilize it to its full potential. The buy-in, task shifting, and ease of digital technology allows for better management of chronic conditions, even with reduced resources.
Case Studies
Radhika Chabria
Summary
POD adventures is meeting young adolescents where they are most comfortable, video games, to talk about mental health and counselling. The game was packaged as a "stress management" tool rather than a mental health tool to circumvent the stigma and was a crucial aspect in normalizing students talking about stressors even outside of school. The game itself was an interactive way to discuss what stressors are, how to identify, bust myths around mental health. I additionally provided an interactive problem solving game called "my adventures" where the kids were able to work through contexualized issues and learn how to cope with common stressors. POD adventures was rolled out in tandem with non-specialist counselors which was key in the success of this innovation. Task shifting with a digital innovation was not only able to help uptake, but also create better engagement and problem solving among students.
Case Studies
Matergia et al.
Summary
The goal of this study was to examine if school health programmes improved outcomes in rural Indian primary schools and could be implemented by community people who had received training. This was a mixed-methods, stepped-wedge, cluster-controlled study of schools pragmatically assigned to receive a multi-component, comprehensive school health program delivered by lay field workers. The program is structured around 3 interrelated components: health education, primary health services, and a healthy school environment.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Reduction in the diarrheal incidence of low-cost private school students receiving the intervention. Higher health-knowledge acquisition in intervention schools
Impact Evaluations
Jachin Velavan
Summary
CMC Vellore, a premier institution for medical education in India, launched a "Refer less resolve more initiative" course by distance mode to train 250,000 doctors to become multi-competent Family Physicians. The program focuses on ethics, rational prescribing, consultation skills, application of family medicine principles, and practical demonstration of compassionate, cost-effective, and high-quality care. 942 private practitioners and 177 government doctors have been enrolled.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: The course inspired GPs to study the latest knowledge in the field of clinical medicine, using optimization techniques to reach proper diagnoses, writing rational prescriptions, incorporating ethical principles, confidently handling patients, and shifting gears from "commercial" to "care" focus. Overall, there was change in three major spheres: professional, ethical and values, and patient care culture.
Impact Evaluations
Basu et al.
Summary
The study evaluated a service delivery approach to provide early detection facilities at home by trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) for commons non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a rural setting. The feasibility and efficacy of the model were assessed. The training was designed to ensure that both information and skills were developed. The CHWs made home visits to record participants' height, weight, blood pressure, and random blood sugar levels and educate them about healthy lifestyles and symptoms of common cancers.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes (Individual Level): The CHWs screened men and women from 20 villages within 6 months which resulted in High BP and sugar detection in 32.6% and 7.5% participants respectively. The risk of hypertension was significantly higher among the overweight population compared to those having normal weight.
Impact Evaluations
Pereira et al.
Summary
This study aimed to evaluate the MANAS trial's integration into primary care, the challenges to adherence, and to discuss the experiences of integrating the MANAS intervention into primary care. The study was a cluster-randomized trial conducted in two consecutive phases, first with PHCs and then with GPs. Patients were screened for common mental disorders by a layperson who was called the Health assistant (HA) using the 12 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) with a 5/6 cut-off score.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: Most PHC doctors (12/20) and GPs (8/11) were diagnosing CMD before the program and emphasized that screening and categorization of CMD as mild or moderate/severe helped sharpen their diagnostic abilities.
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes (Individual Level): Majority of the responders found screening beneficial as it allowed them to talk about their health and problems
Impact Evaluations
Camilla Fabbri et al
Summary
The study examined the effect of report cards on the coverage of maternal and neonatal health care in Uttar Pradesh and aimed to understand the effectiveness of this approach through a factorial, cluster-randomized controlled trial. The intervention, developed over 4 months, involved providing village-level information on the coverage of maternal and neonatal health services to health providers only, communities only, or both. In the community group, targets were community leaders and beneficiaries. The intervention included intense piloting in two villages.
Outcomes/Observations
In the study, the outcome was concluded by a theory of change on how report cards work to improve coverage by maternal health services. The findings also suggested that both mechanisms failed to increase service coverage, which has broader implications for related policies in India and other countries.
Impact Evaluations
DR Singla et al
Summary
The PRogramme for Effective Mental health Interventions in Under-resourced health systeMs (PREMIUM) program examines the agreement between expert, self, and peer therapy quality ratings of individual treatment sessions for harmful and severe depressive disorders. The study was conducted by lay therapists in primary care over ten months. It aimed to describe the development, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency of therapy quality scales for each treatment. Training of Lay therapists comprised a three-week workshop focused on general counseling skills and the two manualized treatments.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: On average, each lay therapist had 3.79 of their treatment sessions rated in Stage 1, 4.07 in Stage 2 and 5.45 in Stage 3. Lay therapists' perceptions of peer-led supervision identified positive themes including bolstering self-esteem and an emphasis on equality.
Impact Evaluations
Doke et al.
Summary
The objective was to study the implementation process of Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) in PHCs by the guidelines of the Government of India. This study compares the implementation of community-based monitoring (CBM) in 45 primary health centers (PHCs) in Maharashtra with the same number of randomly selected PHCs not implementing CBM from the same districts. Information was collected by teams from Community Medicine Departments by visiting selected PHCs. The establishment of monitoring committees and training of medical officers (MOs) were completed, but only 36.36% were trained and 43.18% received the facility report card.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: Only 36.36% of MOs were trained. 90.90% of MOs said Jansunwai increased community awareness and broke down barriers between people and PHC staff. Organizational Outcomes: The pattern of availability of the drugs was similar in both groups. The percentage of institutional deliveries and women receiving Janani Suraksha Yojana benefits among home deliveries was more in the non-CBM PHCs.
Impact Evaluations
N Murugesan et al
Summary
The study objective was to strengthen the national capacity of diabetes care and provide effective and affordable modes of diabetes management in semi-urban and rural areas through training programmes for physicians. The impact of training was assessed by pre and post-training knowledge scores. Physicians from 6 states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Gujarat) and a few from other states with service of ≥33 years were trained in diabetes care in 5-day workshops between March 2004 to December 2006.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: A total of 3023 (male 2311:female 712) were trained in 3 years. At the baseline, knowledge on diagnosis and complications was low. Scores improved by 16-17% on treatment, complications and pathophysiology. The majority of doctors felt that patient education and counselling had to be incorporated into their clinical practice.
Impact Evaluations
Guha et al.
Summary
The Kishori Panchayat (KP) Adolescents for Health Action model's primary objectives are to (1) study adolescents females (12–18 years old) of KP and non–KP knowledge and views of life skills, and (2) identify KP features and associated contextual elements that influenced the result. Adolescent girls (12–19 years old) from rural regions were the focus of KP's major mobilization and empowerment efforts. They are also expected to share the knowledge they learn via KP with their friends and the community.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes (Individual Level): KP girls were more aware of knowledge and perceptions regarding life skills and their application which mainly focused on counselling of antenatal/postnatal care, childcare, immunization, home visits, street plays, rallies, and preparing health education materials.
Impact Evaluations
Nirupam Bajpai et al
Summary
In this study National Rural Health Mission's key objectives are assessed on the different levels of the village, block and district, the role of ASHA effectively utilized, reduction in IMR and MMR, novel strategies for reducing neonatal and maternal deaths, impacting outcome rates. The vision of the Mission consists of the following main elements: revitalize local health traditions and mainstream Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathic treatments.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: Only 21% of ANMs are involved in the selection of ASHAs. Almost 93% ANMs received the NRHM un-tied grant of Rs.10,000/year. Organizational Outcomes: The availability in all CHCs was satisfactory although telephone facilities did not exist in 29% CHCs, all-weather approach roads in 21%, functional vehicles in 14%, medical stores in 7% and regular supply of medicines in 26%
Impact Evaluations
SP Bhavnani et al
Summary
This study sought to determine whether mobile health (mHealth) device assessments used as clinical decision support tools at the point of care can reduce the time to treatment and improve long-term outcomes among patients with rheumatic and structural heart disease (SHD). A single-site, randomized trial was conducted at the Sri Satya Sai Institute of High Medical Sciences in Bangalore. Each mHealth clinic was equipped with wireless mHealth devices that were selected to assess functional and structural abnormalities at the point of care.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: Point-of-care mHealth devices can be used as clinical decision support tools.
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes (Individual Level): Compared to standard care, an initial diagnostic strategy with mHealth was associated with a shorter referral time for valvular interventions and a lower probability of hospitalization or death.
Impact Evaluations
Dasappa et al.
Summary
The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Yoga, Pranayama, and Sudarshan Kriya in the community-based management of diabetes mellitus. The primary outcome variable was Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test for Diabetes (Hb1Ac) and secondary outcome variables were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and adherence to medication, and changes in lifestyle
Outcomes/Observations
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: No difference was found in the proportion of people with HBA1c under control between the two groups. In addition, the mean SBP did not differ between the two groups following the intervention.
Impact Evaluations
Carmichael et al.
Summary
The study's objective was to design a tool to increase the coverage, quality and coordination of the services provided to Maternal health sub-centers (FLWs) in the Saharsa district of Bihar. It also aims to enhance communications with beneficiaries and facilitate their supervision. The ICT-CCS (the Information Communication Technology Continuum of Care Service Tool) design consisted of numerous mobile phone-based job aids aimed to improve key RMNCH-related behaviours and outcomes. ICTCCS was implemented in the Saharsa district, with cluster randomization at the health sub-center level.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial Outcomes: Job confidence was higher among FLWs from intervention vs control but only significant for ASHAs. Reports of antenatal visits were greater in the intervention.
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes (Individual Level): Intervention resulted in a significant increase in practices of skin-to-skin care and frequency of breastfeeding immediately after delivery. The use of any modern contraception method was higher compared to baseline.
Impact Evaluations
Abhinav Bassi et al
Summary
The aim of the study is to identify the published mHealth/telemedicine initiatives in India in the context of the health system building blocks and potential for health systems strengthening; presents the disease area, type of telecommunication devices used, and target users of the innovation; actions required for ensuring an effective role of mHealth interventions. This article gives a gist of mHealth innovations in India and how the implementation needs to be improved, accessed by communities.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Telemedicine's importance in improving healthcare services through medical consultations and communication between healthcare providers. Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population-level): Evidence surrounding mHealth in India demonstrates a progression from anecdotal telemedicine user stories to primary research articles that provide evidence of effectiveness in reaching health goals.
Reviews
Rohina Joshi et al
Summary
The article's objective is to systematically appraise the literature to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and barriers to task-shifting for the management and prevention of NCDs in LMICs. There is a need to develop an alternative workforce that is structured around the community and consumer needs. A NPHW (Non Physician Health care worker) was defined as a lay healthcare worker with no formal medical training or nurses.
Outcomes/Observations
Organisational outcomes: Trained NPHWs can successfully screen community members for various NCDs. The use of NPHWs in the care of patients with mental health issues was shown to be cost-effective. Patient outcomes: Trained NPHWs could control patients with NCDs using treatment protocols without the involvement of physicians. Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population-level): There was improvement seen in maternal and child health care programs. Task-shifting has proved to be a viable and cost-effective option for the management of HIV-AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Reviews
Nita Bhandari et al
Summary
The objective of this study is to create a process for scaling up exclusive breastfeeding based on lessons learned from programmes/projects that have been implemented and assessed in various developing countries. At a community level, administering only breastmilk and no other liquids or foods for the first 6 months of life provides significant benefits to the infant and the mother as it protects infants against many common childhood diseases.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Breastfeeding interventions have the potential to save 13% of all under-5 fatalities in developing countries, making them the most important preventative approach for saving children's lives. Organisational outcomes: Training of health workers and community service providers to counsel women on safety options after HIV to continue exclusive breastfeeding and also the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding
Reviews
Tsuyoshi Akiyama et al
Summary
The objective of this paper is to present the seven innovative models of psychiatric care and rehabilitation centers. At the community level, various culturally appropriate and clinically effective models of excellence have been developing in Asia.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Overseas psychiatrists are encouraged to do voluntary work in developing and underdeveloped countries in order to build local capacity Patient outcomes: The community people suffering from mental or psychiatric issues take help from such models and improve their mental illness. Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The article presents models of excellence that provide great benefit to the people who suffer from psychiatric illness without incurring great expense. Social outcomes: This article has models which are trying to approach the ongoing stigma and ignorance about psychiatric illnesses
Reviews
Diana M Bowser et al
Summary
The article focuses narrowly on the additional allocation of primary healthcare expenditures and explores the idea by examining the impact of central level primary healthcare expenditure, on individual state level contributions to primary healthcare expenditure within 16 Indian states between 2005 and 2013.
Outcomes/Observations
The article gives an analysis on the increases in central level primary healthcare expenditure to states have an inverse relationship with primary healthcare expenditures by the state level.In wealthier states, lower additionality was found as states diverted expenditures away from primary healthcare as central expenditures increased. In poorer states, evidence for this substitution was not conclusive.
Reviews
R Ganavadiya et al
Summary
This paper reviews mobile and portable dental services implemented in some developed and developing countries. It discusses their utility, applicability, and feasibility in oral healthcare delivery for a developing country like India having a vastly underserved population. With key articles retrieved mostly from MEDLINE, the databases were searched for publications from 1900 to the present (2013) using terms such as Mobile dental services, Portable dental services, and Mobile and portable dental services.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: State health services in developing countries offer medical and dental services to the masses through CHC, PHCs, and school-based dental camps. Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population-level): The mobile and portable dental services may solve the disparity in dentist population ratio between urban and rural areas, lack of access for basic dental services in rural areas, lack of organized dental care for the underprivileged.
Reviews
Gursimer Jeet et al
Summary
This review synthesised evidence on effectiveness of CHW delivered NCD primary prevention interventions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This article reviews the trials that utilised community health workers for primary prevention/ early detection strategy in the management of NCDs in LMICs between years 2000 and 2015; focused on community-based randomised controlled trials and cluster randomised trials without any publication language limitation.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The Primary Care Physician visits were higher in CHW relative to the usual care group. Patient outcomes: Improved diabetes self-care activities, 5% weight loss, and 1% reduction in HbA1c level Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population-level): One of the trials reported statistically significant improvement in the quality of life of patients with diabetes after CHW led intervention.
Reviews
Jaison Joseph & Debasish Basu
Summary
This paper systematically reviews the efficacy of alcohol brief intervention in middle-income countries. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of face-to-face brief motivational interventions aimed at reducing heavy alcohol use that were conducted in middle-income countries.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: In most cases, the content of the brief intervention was delivered by trained nurses in almost all the trials. Patient outcomes: Five trials reported statistically significant reductions in self-reported alcohol consumption based on the changes in scores of research tools in the treatment groups as compared to the control group at 3�24-month follow-up.
Reviews
U Kapil et al
Summary
The nutrition activities were aimed at increased food production, initiating supplementary feeding, nutritional surveys and prevention of food adulteration activities. Major nutrition supplementation programmes in India includes: (i) Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS); (ii) Mid-day meal Programmes; (iii) Special Nutrition Programmes; (iv) Wheat Based Nutrition Programmes; (v) Applied Nutrition Programmes; (vi) Balwadi Nutrition Programmes; (vii) National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme; (viii) National Programme for Prevention of Blindness due to Vitamin A Deficiency, and (ix) National Goitre Control Programme.
Outcomes/Observations
The evaluation of programmes (wherever conducted) revealed that most programmes require strengthening or have several deficiencies or that programme could not achieve the desired results. In some programmes improvement in nutrition of benfeciaries was also recorded.
Reviews
Catherine Cove
Summary
MANAS, by Sangath, created a stepped-care design in which lay health workers took charge of counselling in primary health care centers.The core premise of the innovation was employing and training Lay Health Counsellors (LHCs) to provide mental health care to patients with support from primary care physicians and a trained mental health professional. To begin, Lay Health Counsellors screened a randomly selected treatment group for Common Mental Disorders. The Lay Health Counsellors were responsible for case-management of the patients and development of the initial care plan. They provided psychoeducation to all patients with a focus on educating the patient about their symptoms and the effect of Common Mental Disorders on daily life and their relationships with others, and dispelling the stigma and shame associated with sharing emotional difficulties with their doctor. A core principle of success of this innovation was the coordination between lay health counselors and primary care physicians. Creating a team-based approach is key in ensuring success of lay-health workers.
Case Studies
Piyashree Mukherjee & Shrirupa Sengupta
Summary
Invest for Wellness (i4We, Swasti’s flagship program is a system innovation in primary healthcare combining health and wealth interventions, and focusing on well-being for the most poor and marginalized communities. The i4We model is currently delivered in four settings: urban, rural, factories, and sex workers’ collectives and is self-sustaining program owned and run by Community Institutions and Collectives. Every member of i4We experiences and is entitled to benefits ranging from free screening, treatment, care, health education and advice, financial inclusion - tackling the issue of out of pocket expenses that pushes them further into poverty otherwise, while simultaneously creating savings for the members and earnings for the community institution that can be invested back into the program. The i4We team on ground is formed by community members and individuals who are from implementation science. The team is backstopped by a range of multi-sectoral practitioners and partners.
Case Studies
Chisholm D. et al.
Summary
To demonstrate cost-outcome methods in the evaluation of mental health care programmes in low-income countries, four rural populations were screened for psychiatric morbidity and individuals with a diagnosed common mental disorder were assessed on symptoms, disability, quality of life, and resource use.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): There has been an improvement in the quality of life and significant reductions in symptomatology and disability. In three of the four localities, there is a substantial reduction in levels of depression symptoms.
Impact Evaluations
Collison et al.
Summary
The objective is to explore the acceptability and utility of a low-cost and simple-to-use feeding toolkit consisting of a bowl with marks to indicate meal volume and frequency, a slotted spoon, and an illustrated counseling card to cue optimal dietary practices during the first 1,000 days.
Outcomes/Observations
The proportion of pregnant and breast-feeding women taking an extra meal portion per day and the number of meals taken per day increased. For children 6 to 18 months of age, meal frequency, quantity and thickness of the foods increased. The illustrated counseling cards also proved to be very useful teaching tools.
Impact Evaluations
Misra et al.
Summary
This pilot study examined the role of teleophthalmology (TO) in the diagnosis and treatment of anterior segment conditions (including adnexal conditions) in rural areas. 5,604 patients visited primary vision centers (VCs) for 1 week from 1-7 September 2018 and were examined by a vision technician (VT) to identify those who may need teleconsultation. The demographic profile and role of teleconsultation were reviewed.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: During a 1-week period from 1 to 7 September 2018, 5,604 outpatients visited Vision Centers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Karnataka. The most common diagnosis was lens-related (38.3%), followed by ocular surface pathologies (30.2%), lid and adnexa-related pathologies (8.6%), and corneal pathologies (6.3%). Teleconsultation was higher in the older population.
Impact Evaluations
More et al.
Summary
This study tested an intervention in which urban slum-dweller women's groups worked to improve local perinatal health. A cluster randomized controlled trial in 24 intervention and 24 control settlements covered a population of 283,000. The primary outcomes were perinatal care, maternal morbidity, and extended perinatal mortality. The analysis included 18,197 births over 3 years from 2006 to 2009. No differences between trial arms were found in the uptake of antenatal care, reported work, rest, and diet in later pregnancy, institutional delivery, early and exclusive breastfeeding, or care-seeking.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Group members were enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge and made efforts to reach out to other local women. However, collective action was difficult due to time pressure and immediate concerns. Results showed no differences between intervention and control arms in the uptake of antenatal care, reported work, rest, and diet in later pregnancy, institutional delivery, early and exclusive breastfeeding, or care-seeking for maternal or neonatal problems. The occurrence of serious antenatal symptoms was less common in the intervention arm.
Impact Evaluations
Morgan et al.
Summary
This study aimed to qualitatively explore barriers and facilitators to the provision of optimal obstetric and neonatal emergency care and implementation of simulation-enhanced mentorship at PHC’s in Bihar.
India implemented a mobile nurse mentoring program called AMANAT. Through this program, trained nurse mentors visited PHCs in pairs, conducting week-long visits to four PHCs every month over a period of 7 to 8 months to train nurse-midwives. Simulation-enhanced mentoring, using PRONTO, was implemented in 320 PHCs across Bihar.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: shortage of physical and human resources, coupled with high patient volume and doctor-nurse and nurse-nurse hierarchy. Improved skills and confidence, inclusion of doctors in training, and increased training frequency.
Impact Evaluations
GV Murthy et al
Summary
An innovative communication package was designed to help people to examine vision at home and the impact of publishing the DIY kit in newspapers was evaluated.
The number of people who noticed the insertion, read the instructions carefully and self-appraised their vision, followed by consultation with an ophthalmologist (if needed) was evaluated. Four tumbling Es corresponding to the 6/12 line of the standard E chart, were used for testing visual acuity.
Outcomes/Observations
The majority of the people noticed the DIY insertion and stated that they read and followed the instructions carefully. Younger respondents and males were more likely to have noticed the DIY insertion.
Impact Evaluations
Murthy et al.
Summary
This study aimed to determine if an age- and stage-based mobile phone voice messaging initiative for pregnant women, during pregnancy and up to 1 year after delivery, can reduce low birth weight and child malnutrition and improve women's infant care knowledge and practices. A pseudo-randomized controlled trial was conducted among pregnant women from urban slums and low-income areas in Mumbai, India. Infant birth weight, anthropometric data at 1 year of age, and status of immunization were obtained from MCH cards to assess the impact on primary infant health outcomes.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): The intervention group performed significantly better than the control group on two practice indicators, feeding colostrum to babies, having a health checkup at discharge, and giving their infant oral rehydration solution plus zinc. Women receiving messages for 7-9 months performed significantly better on five infant care practices, especially in two key immediate infant care practices.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): This study found a 33% increase in odds of a baby being born at or above the ideal birth weight, 17% decreased odds of having a malnourished child, and a statistically significant increase in the practice of fully immunizing the infant.
Impact Evaluations
Varghese et al.
Summary
The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the SCC program in reducing facility-based stillbirths (SBs) and very early neonatal deaths (vENDs, deaths within three-days after birth), in Rajasthan, India.
The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) is a facility-based reminder tool. For this study, the SCC program was implemented only at district and sub-district level facilities in Rajasthan and they used a pragmatic mixed-methods design to study the feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the WHO SCC-based program in preventing intrapartum mortality.
Outcomes/Observations
Changes in provider behavior at the CHCs were much higher than at district-level facilities. Nurses at the CHCs also reported that the SCC intervention resulted in early identification, management, and timely referral of pregnancy-related complications. Nurses at the district level facilities found the checklist to be a useful reminder tool.
Impact Evaluations
Upadhaya et al.
Summary
The study is a situation analysis to highlight the strengths, challenges and opportunities for developing and strengthening mental health components within routine government HMIS across the participating countries. The cross-country situation analysis of HMIS (Health Management Information Systems) was conducted in six LMICs. The paper compares the baseline policy context, human resources situation as well as the processes and mechanisms of collecting, verifying, reporting and disseminating mental health related HMIS data.
Outcomes/Observations
Across sites, in-service training was given by the HMIS department on an ad-hoc basis. All countries had HMIS training manuals, which were widely used in India, Nepal and Uganda. Most of the countries had dedicated HMIS staff at a central and regional level.
Impact Evaluations
Tripathy et al.
Summary
Community mobilization through participatory women's groups can improve birth outcomes in poor rural communities. The authors assessed this approach in three districts in eastern India, assigning 18 clusters to intervention or control using stratified randomization. Women were eligible to participate if they were aged 15-49 years and had given birth during the study. Intervention clusters included 13 groups every month to support participatory action and learning, and the primary outcomes were reductions in NMR and maternal depression scores. Analysis was by intention to treat.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The study noted a 32% reduction in NMR during the 3-year trial. Perinatal mortality rates in the intervention clusters decreased compared with those in the control clusters. In year 3, when 55% of all pregnant women in the intervention clusters had joined a group, a 57% reduction was noted in moderate depression among mothers in the intervention clusters.
Impact Evaluations
Tougher et al.
Summary
The Matrika social franchising model was a multifaceted intervention that established a network of private providers and strengthened the skills of both public and private sector clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate whether the Matrika social franchising model could improve the quality and coverage of health services for maternal, newborn, and reproductive health in low-income and middle-income countries. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to compare 60 intervention clusters with a social franchisee to 120 comparison clusters in six districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who gave birth in a health-care facility, and 56 prespecified outcomes measured maternal health-care use, content of care, patient experience, and other dimensions of care. Multivariate difference-in-differences methods were used for the analyses and accounted for multiple inference.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial Outcomes: The Matrika social franchise model was not effective in improving the quality and coverage of maternal health services at the population level, suggesting lessons for other social franchising programmes.
Impact Evaluations
Tewari et al.
Summary
The availability of basic mental health services in rural areas of India is limited due to the health system and individual-level factors. To address this, a mental health services delivery model was implemented that leveraged technology and task sharing to facilitate the identification and treatment of common mental disorders such as stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. A mixed method pre-post evaluation assessed the intervention using quantitative service usage analytics and qualitative interviews with different stakeholders. Barriers and facilitators in implementing the intervention were identified.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: 1243 calls were placed to the community, ASHAs, and doctors, of which 78.6% were successful. The majority of participants reported that the training provided was useful, helping them to operate the tablets and record observations on a regular basis
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Community members found the project helpful and learned new things about mental illness, reducing anxiety and stress. Medical camps in villages helped people understand their health status and access to doctors.
Impact Evaluations
Tian et al.
Summary
This study aims to develop and evaluate a simplified cardiovascular management program (SimCard) delivered by community health workers (CHWs) with the aid of a smartphone-based electronic decision support system. 2,086 'high cardiovascular risk' individuals aged 40 years or older with self-reported history of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and/or measured systolic blood pressure 160 mmHg were recruited and managed by CHWs through an Android-powered "app" on a monthly basis.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): The primary outcome of patient-reported anti-hypertensive medication use increased significantly after the intervention, with a net pre-post difference of 25.5%. The interaction between the countries on the primary outcome was significant, with a net increase in the proportion of high-risk individuals taking aspirin and a reduction in mean SBP.
Impact Evaluations
Nadkarni et al.
Summary
The study evaluates the sustainability of the effects after treatment termination and the cost-effectiveness of Counseling for Alcohol Problems (CAP) over 12 months. CAP was a brief intervention delivered by lay counsellors that improved remission and abstinence among male primary care attendees with harmful drinking in India. Male primary care attendees aged 18–65 years screened with harmful drinking on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were randomized to either CAP plus enhanced usual care (EUC) or EUC alone, of whom 89% completed assessments at 3 months, and 84% at 12 months.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: CAP participants maintained the gains they showed at the end of treatment, with higher remission and abstinence rates than individuals who received EUC alone. CAP participants also fared better on secondary outcomes. The intervention effect for remission was higher at 12 months than at 3 months.
Impact Evaluations
K. Mehrotra et al.
Summary
The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Chhattisgarh Integrated Mental Health and Addiction NIMHANS ECHO (CHG IMA NIMHANS ECHO) in the Indian context through pre and post-tests and assignments focused on knowledge, self-confidence, as well as patient identification and engagement data. Project ECHO uses a ‘hub and spoke’ model that connects an interprofessional specialist team at a centralized academic center (hub) with Primary Care Providers (PCPs) (spokes) using multipoint video conferencing technology for regular ECHO clinics.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: Over 6 months, 41 patients' case summaries were discussed with NIMHANS Hub Specialists. Half of the counsellors joined > 80% of clinics and overall there were no drop-outs. The participants liked the relevance of the courses to clinical practices, group-based discussions, and a reduction in professional isolation. The results indicate the potential for capacity-building in mental health and addiction in remote and rural areas.
Impact Evaluations
Nagar et al.
Summary
This study seeks to quantitatively examine the primary outcome of timely DTP3 adherence amongst all 3 study arms and 3 key secondary outcomes of the Khushi Baby cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (cRCT).
Two data collection tools were compared in this study: the NFC (Near Field Communication) sticker and the NFC necklace worn by the child.
Outcomes/Observations
Neither the NFC necklace nor the necklace with additional voice call reminders in the local dialect directly resulted in an increase in infant immunization timeliness through DTP3. Process outcomes suggest that the culturally symbolic necklace has potential to be an assistive tool in immunization campaigns.
Impact Evaluations
Nair et al.
Summary
This study aimed to determine the effect of community health workers carrying out home visits and participatory group meetings on children’s linear growth. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in two adjoining districts of Jharkhand and Odisha, India. A lottery randomly allocated 120 clusters (around 1000 people each) to intervention or control. In each intervention cluster, the worker carried out one home visit in the third trimester of pregnancy, monthly visits to children younger than 2 years to support feeding, hygiene, care, and stimulation, and monthly women’s group meetings to promote individual and community action for nutrition. Participants were pregnant women identified and recruited in the study clusters and their children. Data collectors visited each woman during pregnancy, within 72 h of her baby’s birth, and at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months of age
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: This study measured the length-for-age Z score of 1253 eligible children at 18 months in intervention and control clusters. The intervention did not significantly affect exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods, morbidity, appropriate home care, or care-seeking during childhood illnesses. However, more pregnant women and children achieved minimum dietary diversity, mothers washed their hands before feeding children, fewer children were underweight, and fewer infants died.
Impact Evaluations
D. Mavalankar et al.
Summary
The study aims to document an innovative partnership between the health department of the State Government of Gujarat in India, and private obstetricians to provide skilled birth attendants (SBA) and comprehensive emergency obstetric care (EmOC) to the poor. This is a descriptive analysis of the scheme and analysis of secondary data. The study estimates the lives of mothers and newborns potentially saved because of the scheme.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The statewide scale-up program saw more than 850 obstetricians sign contracts, increasing the availability of skilled birth attendants and EmOC services to poor women.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The Chiranjeevi scheme in Gujarat has seen a rapid increase in deliveries of poor women, with coverage of deliveries increasing from 27% to 53%. Poor women who delivered in private maternity homes reported fewer neonatal deaths.
Impact Evaluations
Maulik et al.
Summary
This article evaluated task shifting and mobile-technology-based electronic decision support systems to enhance the ability of primary care health workers to provide evidence-based mental health care for stress, depression, and suicidal risk in 30 remote villages in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Systematic Medical Appraisal Referral and Treatment (SMART) Mental Health project between May 2014 and April 2016trained lay village health workers (Accredited Social Health Activists– ASHAs) and primary care doctors to screen, diagnose and manage individuals with common mental disorders using the electronic decision support system. An anti-stigma campaign was conducted across the villages at the outset of the project, and a pre–post evaluation using mixed methods assessed the change in mental health service utilization by screen-positive individuals. This paper reports on the quantitative aspects of that evaluation.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: The intervention led to individuals being screened for common mental disorders by village health workers and an increase in mental health service use. The model was deemed feasible and acceptable. Stigma and mental health awareness in the broader community improved.
Impact Evaluations
Iyengar & Iyengar
Summary
The study aims to document trends, profile of abortion seekers and patterns of care seeking in a rural and low resource setting of Rajasthan, India, and to inform the programs on how medical abortion could be integrated into abortion services.
This paper describes a service delivery intervention for women attending with unwanted pregnancies over 14 years in four primary care clinics of Rajasthan, India. The analysis is based on data on women coming with unwanted pregnancies to any of three primary care centers operated by ARTH.
Outcomes/Observations
Of 9076 women presenting with unwanted pregnancy at the ARTH facilities, 70% were provided abortion services. The proportion of women coming with earlier pregnancies increased. Majority of women preferred medical abortion because of its non-invasive nature.
Impact Evaluations
Mann et al.
Summary
The Comprehensive Rural Health Project in rural Maharashtra has had a long-term effect on childhood mortality in rural Maharashtra. Methods included household surveys and interviews with women. Control villages were randomly selected from an area enclosed by two ellipses. Cox models with robust standard errors were used to compare the hazard of death among children under 5 years of age in the project and control villages. Background information and full birth histories were collected by conducting household surveys and interviewing women.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Population level): The study found a 30% reduction in the hazard of child death after the neonatal period for CRHP villages in comparison with villages in the control area. In 2007, more households in CRHP villages had toilet facilities and treated drinking water. Women in the intervention villages achieved a higher health knowledge score.
Impact Evaluations
K Maitra et al
Summary
This study was aimed to develop a comprehensive package of interventions for improving maternal and child care. The approaches of interventions that were utilized for developing the comprehensive MCH care package: (i) By training the team of existing health personnel (ii) By educating the community and mobilizing the community resources (iii) By developing a feasible referral system (iv) By developing an inbuilt system of collecting health statistics.
Outcomes/Observations
Results of this study show that it is possible to improve the quality and coverage of the MCH care using the comprehensive MCH care package. The coverage of pregnant women with IFA tablets and TT immunization showed a marked improvement. The percentage of low birth weight babies showed a decreasing trend.
Impact Evaluations
G R Kharti et al
Summary
The paper describes the first eight years of program implementation, including the past three years, during which the program has been implemented on a large scale. The paper analyzed the effects of new policies introduced in 1993 that have resulted in increased resources, improved laboratory-based diagnosis, direct observation of treatment, and the use of standardized anti-tuberculosis regimens and reporting methods
Outcomes/Observations
About 3.4 million patients had been evaluated for tuberculosis, and nearly 800,000 had received treatment, with a success rate greater than 80 percent. The program has been successful in improving access to care, the quality of diagnosis, and the likelihood of successful treatment. The study estimates that the improved program has prevented 200,000 deaths, with indirect savings of more than $400 million.
Impact Evaluations
Palwala et al.
Summary
The objective is to develop and implement a need-based, situation-specific education program for mothers to bring about changes in complementary feeding practices, with emphasis on the quantity and nutritional quality of complementary feeds. 414 mothers or caregivers from five slums in Mumbai participated in a 3-month intervention study. Education was given by trained fieldworkers, first to groups of 8 to 10 mothers or caregivers using innovative modules and demonstrations, followed by weekly monitoring and reinforcement.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Individual level): The results indicated that such intervention helps to sensitize mothers or caregivers and brings about favorable behavioral change that improves the dietary quality and nutrient intake of young children in urban slums. By the third follow-up, more than three-fourths of the children were given at least three complementary feedings per day.
Impact Evaluations
Panda et al.
Summary
The overall aim of this study was to assess the effect of a ‘supportive supervision’ strategy on the quality of immunization services. A quasi-experimental post-test study design was adopted to compare the opinion and practices of frontline health workers and their supervisors in four intervention districts (IDs) with two control districts (CDs). 111 supervisor-supervisee pairs were interviewed using semi-structured interview schedules and case vignettes. The data collection captured information on technical knowledge, role clarity, and practices at the immunization site of supervisors and supervisees.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Intervention districts had higher correct responses than Control districts/CDs on issues related to waste disposal, correction of the site of injection, reconstitution of diluents, correction of needle touching, improvement of skills among health staff, and rectification of doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
Impact Evaluations
Narayan et al.
Summary
The study explains a community-based model of manpower development and coordination of services for people with intellectual disabilities in the unified state of Andhra Pradesh, India. 130 women were trained in five groups of 25-30 per group and deployed in the community to screen, identify and refer children with intellectual disabilities. The training content included basic stimulation and interface with functionaries of other government departments. Neighborhood centers were established where the community resource persons could meet with families collectively.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Children with developmental delays have shown considerable improvement in their milestones.
Social outcomes: The village community was observed to be sensitive to the needs of these families and recognized the role of the community resource persons and respected them.
Impact Evaluations
S Nayar et al
Summary
The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of school teachers' role vis-a-vis CHVs' in imparting health education to school children. ICMR designed a study project to investigate the feasibility of a primary school teacher as a primary health care worker. This study included a total of 36 villages, in 17 of which school teachers were working as health care workers while in 19, CHVs were delivering primary health care.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Individual level): It is observed that the percentage of children conscious about personal hygiene is more in Group-I villages (teacher=educator) as compared to that in Group-II villages (CHW=educator). The prevalence rate of infective conditions like scabies, scalp infections, and spongy and bleeding gums also suggests that the cleanliness status of children in Group-I villages is better.
Impact Evaluations
Khetan et al.
Summary
In this study, 2-year community-based cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in an underserved region of West Bengal, India. Participants were recruited through home-based screening into 12 clusters, which were randomized to either a control or intervention arm before screening. After the screening, CHWs followed up with participants enrolled in the intervention arm for a period of 2 years through home visits. The CHW arm followed a behavioral strategy focused on modifying the individual's lifestyle, increasing knowledge of CVD, promoting smoking cessation, increasing physician-seeking behavior, and promoting medication adherence.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: The study found that the decrease in SBP was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group, but this difference was statistically not significant. The diastolic blood pressure decreased more in the intervention group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The dichotomized control rates for both hypertension and diabetes improved more in the intervention group, but the use of statin and aspirin was negligible. The mean number of medications used for hypertension and diabetes increased, with a greater increase in the intervention group for both conditions.
Impact Evaluations
Nimgaonkar & Menon
Summary
The study implemented and evaluated a psychiatric 'task shifting' program for a rural, marginalized, impoverished South Indian tribal community. The program was added to a pre-existing medical program and utilized community workers to improve health care delivery. Health workers were trained to provide community education and identify and refer individuals with psychiatric problems to a community hospital. They also followed up with psychiatric patients to improve treatment adherence.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: In the first year of the program, 60% of new patients were referred by the health animators and more than a quarter were self-referred. By the fourth year, the proportion of self-referrals doubled while the proportion referred by the health animators fell to 31.4%. Physicians and other villagers continued to form the minority of referral sources.
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: The most notable change was the proportion of individuals who believed mental illness was a disease (93%) and could be treated (85%). Medical records indicate significant improvement in individual function. The change in referral patterns suggests increased acceptability.
Impact Evaluations
Parthasarathy et al.
Summary
A retrospective analysis of Avahan clinic data between 2005 to 2009 was conducted to study the trends in the coverage of syphilis screening and sero-reactivity.
Avahan is a large-scale HIV prevention program for key populations including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and injecting drug users, providing services since 2004 in 83 out of 130 districts in six high HIV prevalence states in India. Screening was performed using either the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test or point-of-care immunochromatographic strip test (ICST).
Outcomes/Observations
The data showed improved rates of screening of clinic attendees and declining trends in sero-reactivity over time. The introduction of point-of-care syphilis tests may have contributed to the improved coverage of syphilis screening. The ICST may be considered for initial syphilis screening at other resource-constrained primary care sites in India.
Impact Evaluations
Y B Patil et al
Summary
A longitudinal field trial including before-and-after comparisons formed the research design. The study sample consisted of 54 children (7–17 years old) with mild to severe mental disabilities. Interventions included gathering data on the parameters of the cariogram, creating an individual caries profile, putting a preventive programme in place, and contrasting the baseline and follow-up caries profiles. Comparing the baseline and follow-up caries profiles allowed researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of the preventive programme. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: The 10-month preventive program reduced caries risk by 31%, followed by bacteria (12%), diet (7%), and circumstances (6%). The distribution for 'chance of avoiding caries' was uniform at baseline, with 47 children moving out of the 2 greatest risk categories and 47 of the 54 children have moved out of the lowest risk category.
Impact Evaluations
Paul et al.
Summary
The objective is to investigate women’s acceptability of home assessment of abortion and whether acceptability of medical abortion differs by in-clinic or home assessment of abortion outcome in a low-resource setting in India. Abortion outcome assessment through routine clinic follow-up by a doctor was compared with home assessment using a low-sensitivity pregnancy test and a pictorial instruction sheet.
Outcomes/Observations
85% of women were successfully followed up, of those 96% were satisfied. The majority preferred home assessment in the event of a future abortion.
Impact Evaluations
B K Waraich et al
Summary
The Bellary model of district mental health program (DMHP) has been adopted by the government of India under the National mental health program with the primary aim of making mental health care accessible to all by setting up psychiatric services in peripheral areas, training primary health care personnel and involving the community in the promotion of mental health care. The DMHP was set up in a 50 bedded Civil Hospital in a suburb of Chandigarh.
Outcomes/Observations
In DMHP, Chandigarh, a large number of patients sought psychiatric treatment for the first time with a 62% follow up
Impact Evaluations
Sridhar et al.
Summary
This study sought to determine the efficacy of a brief alcohol and tobacco intervention based on the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in a primary healthcare setting in Karnataka. The study included 100 patients in each of the control and intervention PHCs. Patients in the control PHC received an informational pamphlet on the risks of alcohol and smoking as well as the ASSIST questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent sample t-test were utilized.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: With regard to tobacco use, the percentages of the high-risk category of tobacco users at baseline declined at follow-up. At follow-up, the percentage of alcohol users with moderate-risk scores dropped from 60.5% to 45.2% in the intervention PHC.
Impact Evaluations
T Sahu et al
Summary
The study was designed to assess the effectiveness of intervention in strengthening the integration of NLEP (National Leprosy Eradication Programme) into primary health care by comparing different leprosy indicators. In a one-day workshop at the block PHC, a consensus was developed on the division of tasks and operational aspects of the revised strategy for the overall effective management of the leprosy program involving healthcare providers. It was followed by two days of training in skills development at each sector PHC center.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: The involvement of PHC functionaries has improved appreciably after the intervention. The involvement of grassroot level workers has facilitated early detection and regular treatment of leprosy cases.
Impact Evaluations
Sangameswaran et al.
Summary
The MESU(mobile eye surgical unit) presents an innovative solution to accessibility by providing a stable, self-sufficient mobile platform that guarantees a controlled and sterile environment for performing cataract surgery in rural locations. Two buses connected by a vestibule were built to meet the requirements for a self-sufficient operation theater (OT). In every camp, safe transportation of units, good alignment of buses, safe water, and maintenance of sterile environments were achieved with optimal utilization of OT.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: MESU provides an alternative to the base hospital approach by giving the same standard eye care in a peripheral eye camp in rural and remote areas. Careful selection of the team, strict adherence to protocol, and averaging above 25 surgeries per day to decrease per surgery cost will allow MESU a safe and viable alternative in community eye care.
Impact Evaluations
D M Satish Chandra et al
Summary
In the present study, we have made an attempt to study the impact of training of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on the Newborn care in resource poor settings in rural areas.
Training was conducted for two days which included topics on techniques of conducting safe delivery and newborn care practices. Gain in knowledge of safe delivery and newborn care was assessed at the end of one month impact on the Newborn care provided by TBAs, Impact on the advice regarding breast-feeding.
Outcomes/Observations
Early and late post-test evaluation revealed a significant improvement in the percentage of untrained TBAs who gained knowledge regarding referral service in case of newborn complications, correct breast feeding practices and the importance of child’s immunization.
Impact Evaluations
Katherine E. A. Semrau et al
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Childbirth Checklist, a QI tool, promotes systematic adherence to practices that have been associated with improved childbirth outcomes. The study conducted a matched-pair, cRCT in 60 pairs of facilities across 24 districts of Uttar Pradesh, testing the effect of the BetterBirth program, an 8-month coaching-based implementation of the Safe Childbirth Checklist, on a composite outcome of perinatal death, maternal death, or maternal severe complications within 7 days after delivery.
Outcomes/Observations
The BetterBirth program had no significant effect on the primary composite outcome with respect to maternal and perinatal health (nor on any secondary health outcomes), despite significantly higher rates of birth attendants’ adherence to essential practices in intervention facilities than in control facilities.
Impact Evaluations
Shah P et al.
Summary
In this study, Technology-enabled non-invasive diagnostics screening (TES) using smartphones and other point-of-care medical devices was evaluated in conjunction with conventional routine health screenings for primary care screening of patients. A novel remote web platform was developed to allow expert physicians to examine TES data and compare efficacy with routine health screenings. The study was conducted at a primary care center during the 2015 Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra, India, with 494 consenting 18–90 year old adults tested.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: TES identified clinically significant abnormalities in routine health screenings, which were validated by physicians and used to diagnose at-risk patients. TES identified a high prevalence of oral diseases, hypertension, obesity, and ophthalmic conditions among the middle-aged and elderly Indian population.
Impact Evaluations
Anshika Sharma et al
Summary
The Certificate Course in Management of Hypertension (CCMH) is a joint certification program that was born as a result of the collaborative efforts of the aforementioned organizations. This design provided an opportunity for the participants to enhance their technical competencies and knowledge without hampering their clinical practice schedule. The course modules were developed to ensure holistic learning and covered a range of topics that included historical aspects, epidemiology, lifestyle management, pharmacotherapy, innovations in hypertension treatment, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Outcomes/Observations
The cumulative results of the evaluation revealed that 92% of the participants perceived an improvement in their knowledge regarding hypertension and its complications after the course. Participants reported an improvement in confidence in initiating pharmacotherapy in patients with hypertension and that their confidence in evaluating patients for complications of hypertension had improved.
Impact Evaluations
Kodkany et al.
Summary
The paper developed a pregnancy registry that contains demographic information, risk factors, and outcomes, allowing for high rates of detection and follow-up while operating within the existing health system. It also focuses on increasing the quality of the findings, it's vital to understand the components of the system that was used to construct the register. Maternal and neonatal mortality can be reduced by keeping track of pregnancies and their outcomes.
Outcomes/Observations
The paper exhibited sustained increases in both enrollment coverage and accuracy of reporting pregnancy outcomes within the designated catchment region in Belgaum, India, from 2008 to 2014.
Impact Evaluations
Khetrapal S et al.
Summary
A single hospitalization can drain household resources due to inadequate funding, particularly in India. The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), a national health insurance plan, enhanced access to hospitalization and financial protection. The study's goals were to better understand the governance (including regulatory) environment and contract arrangements and to measure provider compliance and customer satisfaction. In each district, enrolled /non-enrolled hospitals were mapped, and service availability was assessed; enrollee characteristics were examined; information on structural quality and process of care, and out-of-pocket payments was obtained for the 12 hospitals
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) is a national health insurance plan that provides access to hospitalization and financial protection. This study mapped enrolled/non-enrolled hospitals, assessed service availability, examined enrollee characteristics, and obtained out-of-pocket payments for 12 hospitals.
Impact Evaluations
Krishnan et al.
Summary
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a computerized Health Management Information System in India's rural health system. The main benefit of computerization has been that it has allowed health personnel to save time in record keeping and report preparation. The original capital expenses of computerization can be repaid within two years after deployment. Because of computerization, a good system for service delivery can now be implemented.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider outcomes: More than 95% of the data was verified to be correct. It provides a better monitoring, supervision, and data management tool for program managers. Managerial outcomes: The initial cost of computerizing two PHCs was projected to be $ 35,622. $ 4213 was calculated as the equivalent yearly additional cost of capital goods. The annual savings are estimated to be roughly $ 11,924.
Impact Evaluations
S Lakshminarayanan et al
Summary
Diabetes registries keep track of the prevalence and incidence of diabetes in the general population, monitor diabetes control programs, and serve as a sample frame for interventional research. The process of developing a prospective diabetes registry in a primary health-care environment in Puducherry is documented in this paper. The methodological specifics obtained while creating a diabetes registry at the PHC level, as well as the scope for upscaling to a Diabetes Management Information System and a State-wide Registry, are described in this study.
Outcomes/Observations
Demographic data, risk factors, complications, concomitant chronic illnesses, lifestyle and medical management, and clinical outcomes were all collected in the first phase. Out of a total of 2948 participants seeking care from a chronic illness clinic, over 2177 people with diabetes have been recorded in six PHC’s. In these centers, registration coverage ranged from 61% to 105 percent.
Impact Evaluations
Nagarajan et al.
Summary
The Mother and Child Tracking System is a centralized (IT)-based program that uses name-based tracking. After 5 years of installation, there is no data in the literature evaluating the operational features of such a name-based tracking system. The methodological specifics and learning experiences obtained while creating a diabetes registry at the PHC level were described in this study. An essential element envisioned by this registry is the improvement of patient care through needs assessment and quality assurance in service delivery.
Outcomes/Observations
Lack of sufficient training, overworked data entry operators (DEO) and auxiliary nursing midwives (ANM), poor Internet access, and frequent power outages have all been identified as serious barriers to MCTS deployment. Only 6% of consumers could interpret the SMS of the 18% of clients who reported getting the SMS.
Impact Evaluations
Radhakrishna et al.
Summary
In this article, we look at primary care in rural India and how a portable health record system may make medical information more accessible at the time of service. Over the course of nine months, we monitored a geriatric cohort and a maternal cohort of 308 people. A web-based EHR was used to document physician visits. 135 individuals were chosen at random from the cohort and given a USB-based memory card with their comprehensive medical information, which could be read on most PCs.
Outcomes/Observations
This issue was largely handled with the introduction of the EHR, health card, and SMS service since standardized templates were available to chart information, much of the content was selection based, and data could be maintained indefinitely and backed up and recovered in the case of a disaster. Most crucially, the CHTC now has a full patient record.
Impact Evaluations
Shah et al.
Summary
In South Asia, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of morbidity and death among diabetics. The CARRS translation study examines the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of a clinic-based multi-component CVD risk reduction strategy in Indian and Pakistani diabetics.
Outcomes/Observations
The CARRS translation study examines a low-cost diabetes care delivery paradigm in urban South Asia with the goal of achieving complete cardiometabolic disease case management for high-risk patients
Impact Evaluations
SS Solomon et al
Summary
This randomized clinical trial evaluated the role of voucher incentives on linkage and retention in care among drug users (DUs) in India. 120 DUs aged 18 years, HIV-infected, antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive, and ART eligible were randomized to incentive (INC) or control (CTL) conditions for 12 months. Participants randomized to the INC arm received incentives (redeemable for food/household goods) for achieving prespecified targets, while subjects in the CTL group could win vouchers in prize-bowl drawings. The primary endpoint was time for ART initiation.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: Participants in the INC arm were more likely to visit the government ART center, initiated ART, and had more visits to the ART center. However, no difference in viral suppression was observed. Modest voucher incentives improved linkage to and retention in HIV care but did not significantly impact viral suppression among DUs in India.
Impact Evaluations
Sugandhi A et al.
Summary
The study aimed to study a service model that enables a clinic to be open to all members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay. Sampling methodology was used to gather information in two phases, with the city of Indore as the target region. The questions to answer were related to dental health care access problems and resources needed, human and financial.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: The aim of an open-to-all clinic is to provide care to as many people as possible, so a fixed facility is needed to serve a large number of people. Discounts are now provided to various income groups, with a baseline charge of Rs. 400 per visit.
Impact Evaluations
Divya Parmar et al
Summary
The influence of India's National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) plan, the world's biggest workfare program, on healthcare utilization, particularly maternity healthcare, is examined. We expect NREG to boost the utilization of maternal health care by raising household income and removing certain financial obstacles, such as OOP expenditures. We assess the impact of NREG on the use of maternal health care, namely births in health facilities, using a nationally representative household survey and a difference-in-differences technique that takes advantage of the scheme's gradual deployment.
Outcomes/Observations
NREG did not boost overall facility deliveries, despite an increase in delivery at public facilities. There is insufficient data to demonstrate that NREG reduced births at private institutions. Furthermore, sub-group analysis suggests that facility deliveries have decreased while home deliveries have increased among poorer households, who are more likely to engage in NREG. NREG enhanced delivery to public facilities for wealthier families. Households belonging to underprivileged castes were unaffected.
Impact Evaluations
G Binepal et al
Summary
To evaluate the number of patients with presumptive tuberculosis (TB) and the number of TB cases identified and treated among patients who accessed MMU services in the Mohali district of Punjab, India, from May to December 2012.
Outcomes/Observations
663 (8%) of the 8346 patients who attended the MMUs showed symptoms that were indicative of tuberculosis. And among them, 540 (81%) had a sputum examination or a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary TB. In all, 58 individuals (11%) exhibited clinical or laboratory evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis, with 21 (36%) starting anti-tuberculosis treatment
Impact Evaluations
Bashar et al.
Summary
On World Health Day, 2017, based on the theme of “Depression-let's talk”, a screening cum awareness camp for depression was organized by involving the district health authorities and local administration Khera village of Haryana. The participants were informed about the availability of the psychiatric services at the health center. They were encouraged to be open about it and consult if required. The study documents the successful experience of integrating mental health into primary care for addressing the problem of depression in villages.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level):
Out of the 250 individuals consented and screened, 34.4% scored ≥10 in the PHQ-9 scale and were labeled as screen positives. A total of 56 (65.1%) screen-positive individuals consulted the psychiatrist and 54 (96.4%) out of the 56 screen positives were confirmed as having depressive disorder as per ICD-10 criteria.
Impact Evaluations
P Basker et al
Summary
The Breteau index (BI), container index (CI),and (HI) were established to determine the severity of a large dengue outbreak in Tirunelveli, TN and were assessed in a PHC in Maruthamputhur hamlet by conducting an investigation. Anti Larval (AL) work entailed going door to door looking for immature stages of lice, mosquitoes by field workers and trained volunteers. As there are no vaccines, entomological surveillance and its importance can be employed to control dengue outbreaks.
Outcomes/Observations
Before the AL work, the reported numbers of fever cases in Maruthamputhur from Week 1 to Week 5 were 211, 394, 244, 222, and 144, with two fatalities. The HI was reduced from 48.2 percent to 1.6 percent, the CI was reduced from 28.6 percent to 0.4 percent
Impact Evaluations
N Bhandari et al
Summary
The study uses formative research to build the intervention, pairing eight communities based on their baseline characteristics and randomly assigning one to the intervention group and other to the control group. In the nine months following training,1115 newborns were enrolled, 552 in the intervention communities and 473 in the control areas. Feeding at 3 months, as well as anthropometry and diarrhea prevalence at 3 and 6 months, were evaluated.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The intervention had a small effect on the proportion of infants delivered by traditional birth attendants, but had a large effect on the number of visits to the home by Anganwadi workers.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Infants receiving animal milk decreased by 50% and breastfeeding was practiced more frequently in the intervention group. Fewer mothers reported infants with diarrhea at the 3-month and 6-month visits, and fewer infants were sent to a healthcare provider.
Impact Evaluations
B Bharti et al
Summary
This study describes children who have severe pneumonia from the perspective of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy. Between May 1997 and June 1998, a civil hospital in the northern hilly state of India prospectively evaluated 115 consecutive children, ranging in age from 2 months to 10 years, who were hospitalized with severe pneumonia.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: IMCI strategy is effective in managing childhood pneumonia, but bottlenecks such as feeding malpractices, vaccination inconsistencies, exposure hazards, unqualified practitioners, the burden on mothers, failure to recognize signs and symptoms, lack of oxygen facilities, accessibility and faith in primary health care services remain. This study emphasizes improving family and community practices, health care systems, and case management skills of health workers.
Impact Evaluations
Boone et al.
Summary
The study aims to evaluate whether neonatal mortality can be reduced through systemic changes to the provision and promotion of healthcare. A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 464 villages in Mahabubnagar District in Andhra Pradesh. The intervention will include a community health promotion campaign and a system to contract out healthcare to non-public institutions. The intervention group will also have subsidized access to pregnancy-related healthcare services at non-public health centers.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: In small villages in an Indian state with high mortality rates, the CHAMPION trial found that a package of interventions addressing health knowledge, and contracting out important areas of maternal and child healthcare resulted in a reduction in neonatal mortality of almost the hypothesized 25%. The intervention is well warranted, and it might be useful in other comparable situations.
Impact Evaluations
Sharma et al.
Summary
The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate nutrition educational intervention to improve complementary feeding of infants of age six months to 12 months in Chandigarh, North India. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a non-randomized intervention (Burail) and control area (Maloya) among a vulnerable population. The primary outcome was a mean change in weight. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured by conducting a DID analysis.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): There was significant weight gain in intervention group infants and length gain from the baseline.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population-level): Community-based nutrition educational intervention and digitized tracking of malnourished children can effectively improve the complementary feeding and growth of children from six months to one year among vulnerable populations.
Impact Evaluations
Shet et al.
Summary
The study evaluates the effects of community-based parental education/counseling when combined with usual treatment on children’s anemia cure rate. A pragmatic cRCT in children aged 12 to 59 months from 55 villages from the rural Chamarajanagar district was conducted between November 2014 and July 2015; 6-month follow-up ended in January 2016. Villages were randomly assigned to either usual treatment or to the intervention. Among 1144 participating children, 534 were diagnosed as having anemia and constituted the study sample in analysis.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Individual level): This intervention significantly improved the child’s anemia cure rate after 6 months when compared with the usual treatment alone. The results also suggested that 7 mothers of children with anemia need to be exposed to the intervention to revert the hemoglobin in children with anemia to nonanemic levels.
Impact Evaluations
R Shidhaye et al
Summary
VISHRAM was a community-based mental health programme to address mental health risk factors for suicide in 30 villages in Vidarbha, India. To assess whether implementation of VISHRAM was associated with an increase in the proportion of people with depression who sought treatment, a baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted before and 18 months after VISHRAM was enacted. The primary outcome was change in contact coverage with VISHRAM, and secondary outcomes included whether the distribution of coverage was equitable, the type of services sought, and mental health literacy.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: VISHRAM provided mental health first aid to 1441 individuals, 55% of whom were referred to counsellors for further management. Prevalence of current depression fell from baseline to 113%, contact coverage was six-times higher, and suicidal thoughts decreased from 52% to 25%.
Impact Evaluations
S Shikha et al
Summary
Considering the burden of cervical cancer in India, the study recognizes the need for innovative approaches to improve coverage of cervical cancer screening. From May 2014 to January 2017, a project was implemented in 10 cities in Uttar Pradesh using the WHO-recommended ‘screen and treat’ approach for cervical cancer prevention. A pilot phase was implemented in three cities during May 2014 and December 2015 and the project was scaled-up to additional seven cities between January 2016 and January 2017.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and well-being outcomes: A total of 100,836 women aged between 30 and 60 years were screened by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) of which 5477 were VIA positive. Treatment with cryotherapy was given to 3735 women.
Impact Evaluations
S Shivalli et al
Summary
A longitudinal study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of family centered approach (FCA) in addressing health and related issues in an urban area of Mangalore, India. Family folders were created, demand generation and health education activities were conducted, and an FCA package was implemented by interns. Effect was assessed by comparing practices and service utilization before and after the study..
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: A statistically significant increase in healthcare service utilization was observed after 6 months of implementation. Reported malaria cases reduced to 90 from 150/1000 population per year. Nearly 32% of the eligible couples were practicing family planning.
Unintended Outcomes: Capacity building of medical and nursing interns as future family physicians and community health nurses was an important collateral benefit
Impact Evaluations
A Shukla et al
Summary
This article describes a participatory action research project situated in Maharashtra. This initiative is aimed at enabling representatives of local communities to effectively occupy the spaces for decentralized
planning provided by NRHM and engaging with the planning processes. A project on capacity building for decentralized health planning was implemented in selected districts of
Maharashtra during 2010–13. A specific project on capacity building for decentralized planning included a structured learning course and workshops for major stakeholders.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Monitoring and Planning Committees (MPCs) had increased knowledge levels, participation in the Project Implementation Plans (PIPs) the process increased, and local priorities were addressed through decentralized planning, even when the state-level PIP process did not accept the proposal.
Impact Evaluations
P Shukla et al
Summary
This is a study on the training programme for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) on primary eye care (PEC) that was undertaken and evaluated in a district of a capital city. ASHAs were given one-day training and expected to refer patients to nearby Vision Centre. Knowledge was assessed before and after training and re-evaluated 1 year later. Focus Group Discussions were held to find barriers and facilitating factors in engaging ASHAs in PEC. The training was evaluated using Kirkpatrick's evaluation model.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: Immediately after training, there was an improvement in knowledge related to all sections. According to ASHAs, it was noticed that attendance at vision centers increased after ASHAs were involved in training. ASHAs perceived a heightened level of respect in the community after engaging in activities other than just maternal and child health.
Impact Evaluations
DR Singla et al
Summary
The study aims to examine three theoretically-informed mediators of the peer-delivered Thinking Healthy Program Peer-delivered (THPP), an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for perinatal depression,
on symptom severity in two parallel RCTs in Goa, India and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The study examines whether three pre-specified variables—patient activation, social support, and mother-child attachment at 3 months post-childbirth mediated the effects of the THPP interventions of perinatal depressive symptom severity (PHQ-9) at the primary endpoint of 6 months post-childbirth.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: The study found that improved patient activation and social support at 3 months post-childbirth mediated the effects of the THPP intervention on reduced depressive symptom severity. This was not the case for mother-child attachment, which had an effect on depressive symptoms. Two of the three pre-specified variables, patient activation, and social support mediated the effects of the THPP intervention on depression outcomes at 6 months post-childbirth.
Impact Evaluations
D F Sittig et al
Summary
The study objective is to apply our sociotechnical model to develop a comprehensive evaluation strategy for the Swasthya Slate and use this evaluation to address both technical and non-technical areas of
improvement during the all-important design, development, and usability testing phases of user-centered design. The study applied a comprehensive socio-technical model of safe and effective health IT use to the formative evaluation of a novel tablet-based device designed to support primary care practice in rural India.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: A composite scoring system was developed for each of the 7 usability domains. The mean usability rating across all of the domains was 8.9/10. The lowest domain score was for user customization. The highest domain score was suitability for the task. The final design aims to provide a more robust look, improved software reliability, and improved user interface by focusing on both affect and functionality.
Impact Evaluations
T Sivakumar et al
Summary
This report describes the reduction of OOP expenditure incurred by persons with severe mental illness. As part of CBR program, since August 2015, mental health camps have been conducted twice a month at
the ten PHCs & taluk hospitals. The psychiatrists from the team visit the taluk twice in a month during camps and attend to persons with mental illness. The program involves grass-root health workers
including ASHA, Village health nurse, Anganwadi workers, Village rehabilitation workers and ANMs. Medication was dispensed free of cost.
Outcomes/Observations
After switching to Jagaluru CBR, PSMI being accompanied by a family member for follow-up with the psychiatrist reduced from 99% to 68% ; PSMI visiting a psychiatrist alone increased from 1% to 32%.
Impact Evaluations
SS Solomon et al
Summary
The study evaluated the effectiveness of integrated care centers in India that provided single-venue HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services for people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex
with men (MSM). They implemented integrated care centers in 11 cities, with a single integrated care center per city in all but one city. After a 2-year intervention phase, they conducted respondent-driven sampling evaluation surveys of target population members who were aged 18 years or older.
Outcomes/Observations
In prespecified individual-level analyses, evaluation survey participants who had ever visited an integrated care centre had significantly higher rates of recent HIV testing, were more likely to be aware of their status and to be taking antiretroviral therapy, and had lower rates of injection-related and sexual risk behaviour, than did participants who had not visited an integrated care centre.
Impact Evaluations
HY Nababan et al
Summary
A pilot, pre-post-intervention study was conducted in a sub-district level birth center in Karnataka, India between July and December 2010.Twenty-nine essential practices that target the major causes of
childbirth-related mortality, such as hand hygiene and uterotonic administration, were evaluated. The primary endpoint was the average rate of successful delivery of essential childbirth practices by health
workers.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: An increase in health workers attending after the introduction of the checklist program was observed. The rate of successful delivery of essential practices at each birth event increased. Medication use increased at some periods and decreased at others. Overall, there was an average 150% increase in adherence to accepted clinical practices at any given birth event.
Impact Evaluations
S Taneja et al
Summary
This paper presents the results of a secondary analysis to examine the effect of the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) strategy on inequities in health indicators. The population was divided into subgroups by wealth status, religion and caste, education of mother and sex of the infant. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine inequality gradients in neonatal and post-neonatal mortality, care practices and care seeking, and the differences between intervention and control clusters.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Population level): The IMNCI trial enrolled 60 702 infants, with significant improvements in newborn and infant care practices. However, there were large inequities in health outcomes across different population subgroups, with mortality outcomes being higher among more vulnerable population subgroups. The intervention did not significantly change neonatal mortality, but concentration curves for post-neonatal mortality indicated greater equity.
Impact Evaluations
S Taneja et al
Summary
The study evaluated the effect of ciKMC on neurodevelopmental outcomes during infancy. This RCT was conducted among 552 stable LBW infants, majorly late preterm or term small for gestational age infants without any problems at birth and weighing 1500–2250 g at birth. The intervention consisted of the promotion of skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding by a trained intervention delivery team through home visits. The intervention group of mother-infant-dyads was supported to practice ciKMC till day 28 after birth.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Individual level): Within the intervention group, the median time to initiate ciKMC after birth was 48 h (IQR 48 to 72). Among these mothers, the mean duration of SSC practice was 27.9 (3.9) days with 8.7 (3.5) hours per day. There is no significant effect of ciKMC on any child developmental outcomes during infancy.
Impact Evaluations
KR Thankappan et al
Summary
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-support lifestyle intervention in preventing type 2 diabetes among high-risk individuals identified on the basis of a simple diabetes risk score. Participants from intervention clusters participated in a 12-month community-based peer-support program comprising 15 group sessions and a range of community activities to support lifestyle change. Participants from control clusters received an education booklet with lifestyle change advice.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Individual level) : The intervention resulted in a non-significant reduction in diabetes incidence at 24 months in a high-risk population identified on the basis of a diabetes risk score. However, there were significant improvements in some cardiovascular risk factors, including IDRS score, fruit and vegetable intake, and alcohol use, and physical functioning score of the HRQoL scale.
Impact Evaluations
N. Chandhiok et al.
Summary
The shortage of skilled birth attendants (SBA) is one of the determinants of maternal mortality in India. To combat this, innovative task-shifting strategies are being implemented to engage providers of the Indian system of medicine (AYUSH practitioners) to provide SBA services. 73 in-depth interviews were conducted in 3 states of India to assess the engagement of AYUSH practitioners for SBA service provision. The interviews explored the providers' SBA training experience, barriers to SBA service provision, workplace and community acceptance, and the perspective of programme managers on the competence and quality of SBA services provided.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: SBA training led to skill enhancement with the adoption of appropriate maternal and newborn care practices. A dedicated trainer, more hands-on practice, and strengthening training on newborn care practices and management of complications emerged as the training needs. Conditional involvement in SBA-related work, a discriminatory attitude at the workplace and lack of legal/regulatory authorization were identified as barriers to the inclusion of APs in SBA service provision.
Impact Evaluations
Carmichael Sl et al.
Summary
This study evaluated the impact of aa ‘Team-Based Goals and Incentives’ (TBGI) intervention in Bihar, India, designed to improve front-line (community health) worker (FLW) performance and health-promoting behaviors related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition. The study used a cluster randomized controlled trial design and difference-in-difference analyses of improvements in maternal health-related behaviors related to the intervention's team-based goals. Evaluation participants included 1300 FLWs and 3600 mothers at baseline and after 2.5 years of implementation.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial Outcomes: Most FLWs attended subcentre meetings at least monthly, but no statistically significant differences between control and intervention area FLWs. 30% of FLWs considered AWWs or ASHAs from different villages to be part of their team, but not for ASHAs. Frequencies of advice about behaviors were higher among mothers who received home visits.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: Intervention village mothers were more likely to receive advice on iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets, exclusive breastfeeding, keeping the cord clean, starting complementary feeding at 6 months, and family planning.
Impact Evaluations
Nielsen et al.
Summary
The study examines the relationship between prenatal care use and postpartum health practices among women in rural Tamil Nadu. It was carried out through sending a community-based, cross-sectional questionnaire survey to 30 randomly chosen regions covered by health sub centers. It takes place in rural areas of Tamil Nadu's Salem District.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: Pregnant women who had a large number of antenatal visits, initiated antenatal care in the first trimester, or received information about breastfeeding were more likely to feed colostrum. However, the use of antenatal care facilities was not associated with maternal postpartum dietary habits. Further research is needed to explain the gap between intentions and actual outcomes of antenatal care.
Impact Evaluations
Chellaiyan et al.
Summary
This study evaluated the integrated counseling and testing centers (ICTCs) in New Delhi. Twenty ICTCs were selected on the basis of population proportion to the size of clients catered. The evaluation tool was a structured tool for evaluating HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). It consists of an assessment of components including the availability of infrastructure, laboratory services, referral services, and staff availability. Counseling sessions were also observed for assessing content and quality. Means and proportions were calculated.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: ICTCs lack the necessary staff, a waiting area, and a counseling room. The record-keeping and laboratory quality control at the ICTCs were considered satisfactory. Client confidentiality may be jeopardized due to a lack of privacy in the counseling rooms. Few areas of counseling need improvement.
Impact Evaluations
Sarika Chaturvedi & Bharat Randive
Summary
The study aimed to understand the issues in the design and implementation of the Public-private partnerships (PPPs) for EmOC under the JSY in Maharashtra and how they affect the availability of EmOC services to women. A cross-sectional research was carried out in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra utilizing the fast assessment technique. Primary data was gathered through interviews with women, service providers, and administrators at various levels.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: The study discovered that no public-private partnerships were executed for EmOC provision in the study district under the JSY. The contracting-in model of PPPs faces significant challenges due to insufficient infrastructure and the complacent attitude of implementers.
Provider/ Managerial Outcomes: The scheme is not owned by the administrators at the district and block levels.
Impact Evaluations
Chatterjee et al.
Summary
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 12-week individualized nutritional supplementation (INS) and Nordic walking (NW) program in pre-frail older Indians. The primary measure was physical performance, as indicated by Fried's Frailty scale, cognition, mood, and nutritional status. Participants were sixty-six pre-frail elderly, who were randomly allocated into three subgroups. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically assess differences in baseline characteristics, while the Chi-Square/Fischer exact test was utilized for qualitative variables.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level):Combining NW and INS results in a simple, practical intervention that is effective in managing functionally fragile older people and allows them to maintain their independence. Future studies should replicate this intervention in a larger cohort with a longer follow-up period.
Impact Evaluations
S. Chatterjee et al.
Summary
This is a study of COmmunity care for People with Schizophrenia in India (COPSI) trial that compared the efficacy of a collaborative community-based care intervention with standard facility-based care. Patients aged 16–60 years with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either collaborative community-based care plus facility-based care or facility-based care alone. The primary outcome was a change in symptoms and disabilities over 12 months, measured by the different scales.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): In this study it was found that combining community-based and facility-based care did not result in any additional changes in caregivers' understanding and knowledge of schizophrenia.
Social outcomes: The stigma-related findings support the explanation that only facility-based care is effective in reducing stigma and discrimination for patients with mental health problems.
Impact Evaluations
Chatterjee et al.
Summary
There is little evidence that services for people with psychotic disorders are feasible, acceptable, or effective in low- and middle-income nations. A longitudinal study was carried out in a rural Indian village to investigate the scaling up and impact of a community-based rehabilitation programme for patients with psychotic disorders in a very-low resource context. A community-based intervention package that included psychotropic drugs, psychoeducation, adherence management, psychosocial rehabilitation, and support for daily living was given to each participant. The main result was a change in the scores for disabilities.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and well-being outcomes (Individual level): Adherence to psychotropic medication and participation in self-help groups emerged as outcomes in community-based care. Medication adherence has been shown to be effective in reducing disability in community cohorts of schizophrenia patients in rural India.
Social outcomes: Through connections with existing employment schemes, the programme facilitated the social participation of people with psychotic disorders and assisted in addressing their economic concerns.
Impact Evaluations
Kadiyala et al.
Summary
This study investigates the feasibility of implementing an innovative agricultural extension program in rural India to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition behavior change. The program involves producing low-cost videos promoting best practices and disseminating them through village-level women's self-help groups. The nutrition intervention involved 10 videos produced and disseminated in 30 villages. Data was collected through interviews, structured observations, nutrition knowledge tests, and a social network questionnaire.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and Wellbeing Outcomes (Population level): Acted as the principal source of health and nutrition information at the community level.
Social Outcomes: The intervention was viewed as reinforcing the efforts of the health workers and welcomed MIYCN videos as job aids.
Unintended Outcomes: Boost demand for government nutrition- and health-related services, which may increase frontline health workers’ capacity and accountability to fulfil the full range of work responsibilities
Impact Evaluations
Balaji et al.
Summary
In this study, women received a 75 g oral glucose load irrespective of when they had their previous meal, and their 2-h Plasma Glucose was identified as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus(GDM). A modified version of the WHO standard for determining the presence of GDM was used to evaluate the efficacy of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) guidelines.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: DIPSI criterion requires estimation of plasma glucose in one blood sample to diagnose GDM. This cost-effective and evidence-based procedure meets the responsibility of offering "a single-step definitive glucose test" to every pregnant woman belonging to any socioeconomic status.
Impact Evaluations
Balasubramanian R et al.
Summary
A random sample of four sub-centres in Jamnamarathur Primary Health Centre area was organized to sensitize the tribal community to Tuberculosis , various health education methods such as exhibitions on TB with audio-visual aids and talks on TB, by the literate youths to villagers. This was done to investigate the feasibility of (1) involving literate (who can read and write) tribal youth volunteers for detecting cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) in their respective hamlets; and (2) antituberculosis drug delivery to sputum-positive patients at their homes by village health nurses (VHNs).
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial outcomes: This process was done to train literate tribal youth volunteers within a short time to detect cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in a tribal area. In 1 year (1992-93), the total population screened was 9383 persons; a total of 338 symptomatic subjects were identified; 12 sputum-positive cases were detected and started on treatment. Thus making the community participate in the National Tuberculosis Programme one of the practical means available for detection and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis cases.
Impact Evaluations
Patel V et al.
Summary
A cluster randomized controlled trial (MANAS; MANashanti Sudhar Shodh, which means “project to promote mental health” in Konkani) was conducted to develop an intervention for common mental disorders that aimed to address the barriers in routine primary health care in Goa, India.The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of collaborative stepped-care interventions led by lay health counsellors on patients’ recovery from common mental disorders in PHC as defined by the ICD-10 at 6 months. The secondary outcome was the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, assessed at 6 months.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The results of the MANAS trial indicate that such a collaborative-stepped care intervention delivered by lay health counsellors can improve recovery rates for patients with common mental disorders in public primary care settings, but not in private facilities. The intervention also suggests some preventive effect in reducing the prevalence of common mental disorders in subthreshold cases.
Impact Evaluations
Raizada et al.
Summary
The study focussed on increased provider training and awareness regarding the free diagnostic tests to facilitate scale-up. Outreach and education approaches were undertaken on a regular basis to ensure effective and increasing uptake of project interventions. The provider database was maintained in each of the project cities, with details of mapped, approached, and engaged providers. The aim was to address TB diagnostic challenges in the pediatric population, by offering free-of-cost Xpert testing to pediatric presumptive TB cases, with a view to positively enhance TB care.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial outcomes: The current project provided useful insights into the paediatric patient pathways and was able to engage an increasing number of providers from the public and private sectors. Overall 42,238 paediatric presumptive TB cases were enrolled in the project, across the four cities. During the project period, quarterly diagnostic uptake and paediatric TB case detection rates increased more than two-fold.
Impact Evaluations
Kharbanda et al.
Summary
This is a study of a comprehensive strategy for the prevention of oral cancer. It comprises improved community engagement, a strengthened primary healthcare workforce, and a supportive policy environment. The use of digital technologies could make operationalizing the framework for oral cancer much easier. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of using appropriately trained primary healthcare workers to conduct oral visual examinations for the detection of oral cancer.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes, Organizational outcomes: In this study,training primary health-care workers in early detection and prevention of oral cancer has been incorporated into the national cancer control strategies in India and Sri Lanka.
Health and well being outcomes : Enhanced community engagement for avoidance of all forms of tobacco; healthy living; and participation in oral cancer screening.
Social outcomes: One key policy requirement is empowering and deploying frontline health workers to carry out screening.
Reviews
Labonte R et al.
Summary
The 4 year Revitalizing Health for all international research program supported 20 research teams located in 15 low and middle-income countries to explore the strengths and weaknesses of comprehensive primary health care (CPHC) initiatives. Multiple regional and global team capacity enhancement meetings were organized to refine methods and to discuss and assess cross-case findings. Most research projects used mixed methods, incorporating analyses of qualitative data ,secondary data, and key policy and program documents.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: In India and the Democratic Republic of Congo groups of women and Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) are increasing awareness of health services and improving access to facilities for pregnant women.
Organisational outcomes:In the studies the role of community health workers in improving access to primary health care services
Health and wellbeing outcomes:In communities implementing a community health strategy showed greater immunization coverage, antenatal care, use of insecticide-treated nets and vitamin A uptake.
Social outcomes: Strengthening of policies concerning the integration of different levels of care within the Family Health Program
Reviews
Lall D et al.
Summary
Both diabetes and hypertension are chronic diseases, they are more complicated than lung diseases and cancers, which are also chronic disorders. In this study Chronic Care Model (CCM) has been investigated for its applicability in LMICs and how it may be modified. The healthcare systems of these nations can benefit from sharing and implementing the lessons learned from this study.
Outcomes/Observations
Organisational outcomes: The CCM is described as a visible support for care improvement at all levels of the system. NCD staff competence, review criteria, and communication with medical doctor/specialists were not captured in most care models.
Patient outcomes: According to the CCM, self-management emerged as a dominant theme emphasizing the central role of the patient and empowering her/him with skills to manage disease and sustain lifestyle changes.
Health and well-being outcomes: the study found Clinical follow-up care facilitated by clinical information systems is improving, access to medicines, equipment, laboratory supplies, and personnel is needed for provision of health services.
Reviews
R. Sankaranarayanan et al.
Summary
In a cluster randomized controlled study in south India, the efficacy of a single round of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening on cervical cancer incidence and death was studied. The screening was completed by 30,577 eligible women, with younger, more educated, married, multiparous, low-income women, and those who underwent tubal sterilization having higher compliance. 1498 (72.4%) of the 2069 women diagnosed with CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and invasive cancer got therapy. Young women, those who use contraception, and those with high-grade precursor lesions and invasive tumors were more likely to follow treatment instructions.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level):Of the 2069 women diagnosed with CIN and invasive cancer among the screened women, 1498 (72.4%) received treatment. 80.2% of women with high-grade lesions complied with treatment as compared to 71.0% with low-grade disease.This indicates that a reasonable participation might be achieved in screening programs using this simple and low-cost test for cervical cancer.
Impact Evaluations
DESIKAN K
Summary
A leprosy project was established in a difficult to reach area under guidelines of the Government of India. The leprosy services were provided by Koraput Leprosy Eradication Project (KORALEP) and general health services by Primary Health Care (PHC).The intervention consisted of a village-wise search operation conducted by a team of local Anganwadi workers and voluntary workers. They examined the suspects' list to identify cases of leprosy. Households were given a visiting card by the local team for their follow-up visits.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Briefly trained Anganwadi workers to correctly identify cases of leprosy.
Organisational outcomes: An enquiry survey of about 70% of the population was conducted.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): 576 patients were detected over a period of 150 working days. Nearly half of the case detection was achieved by adopting Modified Leprosy
Elimination Campaigns(MLEC) in a short span of 6 days.
Social outcomes:The awareness levels among the general population regarding leprosy improved.
Unintended outcomes: An interest regarding the issue was generated among local health workers and voluntary workers.
Impact Evaluations
Angel B et al
Summary
This article is a review and stakeholder consultation process that revealed the need for additional study on the best layouts of PHC financing interventions at the system, provider, or community level in LMICS of the Asia-Pacific region. The development of an evidence gap map involved a two-step process: (1) a systematic review of financing interventions aimed at PHC service delivery in the Asia-Pacific region; and (2) an electronic-Delphi (e-Delphi) exercise with important national PHC stakeholders to determine the importance of the evidence needs.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes : The article presents the primary health care financing studies in the Asia-Pacific region examining the issues like PHC Outcomes ,Quality of care, Efficiency ,Coverage/accessibility, Responsiveness and Equity.
Reviews
Summary
Aims to improve the lives of the local tribal communities through various programs under healthcare, community health, farming and craft work. Nurses are hired from the local communities and are trained to perform OP procedures, reducing the dependency on the doctors.
Outcomes/Observations
The proportion of pregnant mothers coming for antenatal check-ups has increased, Infants dying within one year of birth have dropped and undernourishment has come down as well.
Models
Summary
The program aims to provide health care services at a local cost to the tribal and rural areas of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. They have certain innovative and appropriate tech solutions for malaria diagnosis and tracking, for water quality checks.
Outcomes/Observations
The infant mortality rate has been reduced and marginalized tribal groups make up 45% of the recipients of JSS services.
Models
Summary
The model Sky social franchise aims to to improve quality and coverage of maternal health services in three districts of Uttar Pradesh. To increase the demand for maternal health services, there were village-level information activities such as wall paintings, billboards, radio spots, and film shows.
Outcomes/Observations
By the end of the programme, 365 SkyCare providers, 50 SkyHealth centres, and 8 Franchise Clinics were part of the network. One day of training was given to 2149 ASHAs.
Models
Summary
The Ananya program aims to partner with the state government to work with the private sector and community organizations on several health-related issues to help meet national health targets and in turn contribute to India’s progress toward the relevant Millennium Development Goals. There is a Mobile Academy where an audio course is delivered via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) called the "Mobile Kunji" which provides information on health issues for health workers.
Outcomes/Observations
Ananya program had significant impacts on newborn care practices,
complementary feeding practices, and the use of modern contraceptive methods.
Models
Summary
The model aims to reduce neonatal mortality in poor resource settings through detailed and focused group behaviour change communication. Shivgarh Community Health Intelligence Platform(CHIP): The Shivgarh CHIP has also been set up as a community-embedded innovation ecosystem in rural Uttar Pradesh. Each rural household in this area is uniquely identifiable, and each village is mapped onto a geographical information system.
Outcomes/Observations
Results indicated that newborn deaths were halved in the villages in which Community Health Workers were active.
Models
Summary
The faith-based organizational model aims to transform the lives of the poor and marginalized in Uttarakhand through the Support and Learning Team (SALT) team. They go as a team to the neighbourhood and have discussions with strategic questioning to bring out the problems and solutions from the community themselves.
Outcomes/Observations
Community health worker training program trained over 300 ASHAs. The cluster has succeeded in bringing organizational change towards disability-inclusive development.
Models
Summary
The Model offers reliable and affordable primary healthcare solutions in middle-class and low-middle-class localities. It is a chain of urban primary care clinics. Clinics are located in highly densely populated areas. It provides doctor consultation and diagnostic services according to software-based standardized treatment protocols. They also maintain electronic patient profiles in order to minimize errors and enable quality follow-up of patients.
Outcomes/Observations
Implemented 85 clinics
Models
Summary
At the Center for Innovation, the Computational Medicine Team develops models for the eye care Eco- system right from the clinicians at the highest level in an urban setting to the associated eye care professionals at the rural level. These solutions help empower eye care professionals to identify and classify the anomalies of the eye. This provides opportunities to scale up services in much broader coverage in a low-resource setting. Using AI, to make healthcare more affordable and accessible even in rural settings.
Outcomes/Observations
30.64 million people were reached through OPD, cornea distribution, surgeries, innovative stem-cell procedures, cornea collection and community eye health initiatives.
Models
Summary
This Model aims to provide subsidized services at eye hospitals for low economic group people. ‘Mobile Eye Surgical Unit’ (MESU)- ‘operation theatre on wheels’ developed jointly with the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras (IIT-M) has facilitated the most advanced Cataract surgery performed right at the doorsteps of indigent patients living in the most inaccessible regions including tribal and hilly belts, totally cost-free.
Outcomes/Observations
At SankaraNethralaya, each year, on average, perform about 19,000 Cataract surgeries, totally free of cost to the Indigent Patients who come to the hospital. Colour Vision and Career Choice Counseling among School Children: 200 schools in Tamilnadu.
Models
Summary
This Model aims to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services remotely.
Outcomes/Observations
The group now features over 5,859 operational beds through a combination of greenfield projects and acquisitions.
Models
Modi D et al.
Summary
This article describes the effectiveness of ImTeCHO, a mobile phone and web-based application for scheduling home visits, screening for complications, counseling during home visits, and supportive monitoring by PHC staff, i.e., ASHA workers. They were provided an Android phone with the application and a post-paid data plan. An open cluster-randomized study was carried out at 22 PHCs in six tribal blocks of India's Bharuch and Narmada districts.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider /Managerial outcome: Throughout the study period ASHAs were found to have a satisfactory adherence and uptake to the ImTeCHO application.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The use of ImTeCHO mobile- and web-based applications as a job aid by government ASHAs and PHC staff improved coverage and quality of MNCH services in hard-to-reach areas. There was an improvement in the coverage of at least two home visits within the first week of birth.
Impact Evaluations
Manjappa et al.
Summary
The goal of this paper was to enhance MNCH outcomes through the NRHM nurse mentorship (NM) program. On-site peer mentorship of staff nurses (SN) and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANM) in charge of labor, birth, and postpartum care at primary health care centers (PHC), where 24% of deliveries occurred. The program emphasized increasing clinical skills and practices, as well as team cooperation and problem resolution, and supported initiatives to solve process-related concerns, such as enhanced infrastructure, supplies, and referral logistics.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: Substantial decline however in neonatal mortality among children delivered in PHCs supported by NM. A decline in reported complications during pregnancy and no neonatal deaths were reported among infants who delivered in NM facilities from day 8–28 post-birth.
Social outcome: An increasing proportion of marginalized women utilized services at the health facilities where the nurse mentoring program was implemented
Unintended outcomes: Increase in the proportion having Cesarean section or assisted deliveries (from 10 to 13%)
Impact Evaluations
Bang AT et al.
Summary
The objective of this article was to develop a Home based neonatal care package to provide low cost primary care by the human potentials available in the villages to reduce NMR. Adjacent blocks of villages in Gadchiroli, were selected as the intervention and the control areas in 1993 for the field trials.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: It was possible to provide HBNC to most (93%) neonates in the community to reduce neonatal morbidity load (by 50%). All reductions were highly significant. The total reduction in neonatal mortality during intervention was ascribed to sepsis management, supportive care of low birth weight (LBW) neonates, asphyxia management, primary prevention, and management of other illnesses or unexplained.
Impact Evaluations
Chavda & Misra
Summary
The study aimed at assessing the quality of child health services provided through primary healthcare centres in Gujarat's Vadodara district. The study was carried out using a modified quality assessment checklist of the Program on District Quality Assurance for Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services.Inputs assessment was done by facility survey. Process assessment for the four child health service components used actual observation of service, review of records and interview of service providers and clients.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: The ‘Input’ section (structural attributes) fared better than the ‘process’ sections wherein a score of 65% and 55% were obtained respectively. There's a lack of MOs, staff nurses, ENBC training, emergency transport mechanism, and protocols and guidelines at the PHCs.
Impact Evaluations
Ravi Das et al.
Summary
The study aimed to determine whether village ASHAs can be trained to identify and refer potential visceral leishmaniasis cases to local PHCs for diagnosis and treatment. Approximately, 1000 ASHAs in total from the 4 PHCs were trained in batches of 100–150 by the faculty from Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna for Visceral leishmaniasis /Post-Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis identification, symptoms, transmission, treatment, vector control, and DDT spray.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial outcomes: After a single round of ASHAs training in the PHCs of Paroo and Marhoura, VL referral rates by ASHAs increased from 7% to 28%. After the second round of training approximately one year later , the referral rate increased to 46%.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (population level): In four PHCs where training was provided, the number of Visceral Leishmaniasis cases dropped substantially.
Impact Evaluations
Jishnu Da et al.
Summary
The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a multitopic training program for informal providers in the Indian state of West Bengal. The program (72 sessions and 150 teaching hours over a 9-month period) provided a generic curriculum to train clinicians on a variety of topics such as fundamental physiology and anatomy, harm reduction concepts, and particular conditions. The application was also tested with unannounced standardized patients, or trained actors playing the roles of patients suffering from a certain ailment.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial outcomes: Providers allocated to the training group were morewere, more likely to adhere to condition-specific checklists. The training increased rates of correct case management and patient caseload and patients per day.
Impact Evaluations
N. Dehingia et al.
Summary
The study aimed at assessing the association of participation in microcredit programs, and awareness of these programs, with maternal and reproductive health service utilization, among women in India. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) were utilized, and women aged 15 to 49 were questioned. Three variables and two questions were used to measure maternal health service usage. To test the understanding of microcredit programs, questions were posed.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: In India, there is an increase in self-help group-led health treatments aimed at improving maternal, child, and reproductive health outcomes. Postpartum contemporary contraception is being used more often.
Social outcomes: Increased ability to pay for health services.
Unintended outcomes: Nonparticipants of the microcredit program benefited from health programs due to increased awareness.
Impact Evaluations
Lunn
Summary
The study aimed at using a multifaceted intervention to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in non-specific urinary tract infections (UTRIs). This consisted of a repeated process of audit and feedback, interactive training sessions, one-to-one case-based discussion and antibiotic guideline development. Pooled audit feedback on URTI prescribing was presented at pre-established monthly doctors' meetings.Three seminars (1 hour) combining PowerPoint and round table discussion were planned for the doctors’ meetings to provide the evidence for antibiotic use in URTI.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: There was a considerable reduction in antibiotic prescribing and an increase in documented examinations after the first and second Plan, Do, Study, Act ( PDSA) cycle.
Unintended outcomes: Development of a new disease coding system for the outreach clinics.
Impact Evaluations
Summary
The incremental Learning Approach Model of CARE India supports the Government of India to design and implement an innovative capacity-building and supervision system strengthening. Common Application System, an app called CAS was launched by CARE and was later handed over to the Government and replicated in eight other states(for Anganwadi workers). Mobile Nurse Mentoring Program other innovations in nutrition, newborn care etc
Outcomes/Observations
Adverse outcomes from asphyxia fell steadily from 2.17% to 1.45% by the end of 2018. PPH ending with adverse outcomes declined from 0.75% to 0.48% overall, representing a decline of around 36%. The decline was steeper in district hospitals, at about 47%. 97% of women in rural Bihar reported that they have received at least one antenatal check-up, and nearly half (49% in 2016, up from 46% a year earlier) reported receiving at least three check-ups. About half (48%, up from 42%) received a blood test and 38% (up from 33%) had a urine test done, 60% (up from 53%) had blood pressure measured at least once. Indices are available for newborn care, nutrition, family planning, and Kalazaar as well.
Models
Summary
AAMC model provides patient registration, consultation and diagnosis recording, e- prescription generation, pharmaceutical drug dispensing, inventory management, HR management as well as clinic financials, using comprehensive clinic management, making the processes transparent, data stored safely on the cloud, with ready analytics and performance outputs.
Outcomes/Observations
Over 5.1 million patients accessed quality healthcare in these Mohalla Clinics between April 2016 and October 2017. A huge unmet need for quality health at doorstep has been addressed. Approximately 8,000-10,000 patients visit these IT-enabled clinics every day.
Models
Summary
Communication in large-scale public services is in itself is an innovative concept in the healthcare system.
Outcomes/Observations
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Mid-day meals became functional, school drop-out rates were reduced, and teachers' absenteeism was reduced. Reports a study was done to describe the model. In general, it has worked well but, in Sendenyu village- there hasn’t been much internalization of the concept and no improvement.
Models
Summary
Nazdeek is a legal empowerment organization committed to bringing access to justice closer to marginalized communities in India. The model fuses grassroots legal education, community monitoring of service delivery, use of judicial and non-judicial remedies, and strategic research and advocacy to advance social and economic
rights. Nazdeek's work focuses on four key human rights and brings out a direct reporting platform for maternal and child health violations.
Outcomes/Observations
Gained a historic 77% increase in daily wages for 800,000
tea garden workers in Assam.
-Brought two Anganwadi Centers to the community of
Baprola
-Helped over 27,000 pregnant and lactating women and children receive their monthly food and nutrition rations etc
Models
Summary
Sahyog Foundation, an initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility has been committed to reaching out to the rural population. The Sponsor companies have been involved in various social responsibility initiatives since its inception. In 2011, these activities were brought under the Sahyog Foundation under Empowerment programmes. These programs included livelihood projects like Stitching & Tailoring Centers, Computer Classes and Beautician courses.
Outcomes/Observations
Impact of Livelihood Project, Locations – 42, Girls empowered – 8479, Total people enrolled in Computer course – 3621, Total Benefited in NIIT classes - 4
Models
Summary
Modelled on the US Navy’s Independent Duty Corpsman model, The Sevak Project is a statewide intervention in chronic disease prevention and management. The Sevak Project targets an evidence-based and collaborative approach to sanitation and health education in rural communities through improved awareness of chronic disease prevention and management.
Outcomes/Observations
The Sevak Project, operating out of over 100 villages, has touched the lives of over 30,000 people. Sevak project in its eight-year is now spread to over 90 villages in Gujarat and four in Odisha
Models
Summary
In 1961, with the help of the Rockefeller Foundation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in collaboration with the state government of Haryana, launched the Comprehensive Rural Health Services Project (CRHSP) Ballabgarh, also known as the Ballabgarh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). The Comprehensive Rural Health Services Project (CRHSP) Ballabgarh works as a site for community-based research, and functions as a demographic and health surveillance system. This demographic surveillance system has now been in operation for more than 40 years
Outcomes/Observations
Has led to policy changes at the National and international level
Models
Summary
Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) is a large, non-profit organization which has a network of 20 hospitals and 42 Community Health and Development Projects spread across 65 districts and 14 states of India. EHA is committed to the transformation of communities with programmes that invest in the health and well-being of everyone, irrespective of caste, creed or race. It aims to focus on the development and empowerment of the economically and socially poor and deprived communities.
Outcomes/Observations
6 DPG (Disabled people groups) were formed, 4870 people received MH awareness, 793 Village Health Workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), Accredited Social Health Activities Workers (ASHA) and Anganwadi Workers (AWW) have been trained.
Models
Summary
The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) was Founded in 1943 by Sr. Dr Mary Glowrey. It is a Network of 3572 Healthcare and Social Service Institutions across India. The network is divided into 11 regional units spanning the length and breadth of the country. By serving 21 million (approximately 1.5% of India’s population) patients annually across the country, most of them poor, CHAI plays a vital role in Indian healthcare. The network’s national reach and deep grassroots presence are unique and formidable assets, made even stronger by the profound commitment of its volunteers.
Outcomes/Observations
Have been working across the country to scale up healthcare delivery.
Models
Summary
SEARCH) is a voluntary organization set up by visionary Drs. Rani and Abhay Bang in 1986 at Gadchiroli, one of the most impoverished districts in India with tribals constituting 40% of its population. SEARCH provides healthcare to the rural and tribal people in the Gadchiroli district, empowers the communities to take care of their own health and conducts high-quality research to shape local, national and global health policies. New innovations like Mukthpath, Tarunabyan and Nirman are extremely beneficial to the people.
Outcomes/Observations
Pneumonia management and home-based newborn care approach together brought down IMR from 121 now to the level of 25.
Models
Desai S et al.
Summary
A cluster randomized trial and mixed methods process evaluation was designed to evaluate whether and how a community health worker-led education intervention could reduce insurance claims, hospitalization and morbidity related to diarrhea, fever, and hysterectomy. The 18-month intervention consisted of health workers providing preventive care information to women in a group setting in 14 randomly selected clusters. Claims data were collected from an administrative database and four household surveys were conducted amongst a cohort of 1934 randomly selected adult women.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and well-being outcomes:There was no evidence of an intervention impact on the primary outcome, insurance claims, or secondary outcomes among insured or uninsured women. Attendance at sessions was recorded by 30% of insured women and 18% of uninsured women. According to the process evaluation, participants remembered knowledge from the sessions, but impediments to behavior change were not overcome.
Social outcomes: Women's retention of knowledge delivered by the CHW team was improved.
Impact Evaluations
Deshpande AN et al.
Summary
The study aimed at assessing the impact of Perinatal Oral Health Care (POHC) education program on the knowledge, attitude and practice behaviour amongst Gynaecologists. Pre and post-intervention test was done using a questionnaire containing 21 closed-ended items to test:-knowledge, attitude, and practice behaviour. Intervention included provision of education and awareness regarding POHC by the means of flip charts and resource brochures and was tested after 1 month.
Outcomes/Observations
Organisational outcomes: The intervention data witnessed a significant improvement in practice behaviour, an improved but not statistically significant level in terms of attitude and very satisfactory improvement in knowledge levels .
Impact Evaluations
Dias A et al.
Summary
A mixed-methods methodology is used in the study, which includes in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, a theory of change workshop to construct a logic model, and an open-case series. The intervention aimed to adapt Problem Solving Therapy for delivery by lay health counsellors in rural and urban public primary care clinics in Goa, India, to prevent depression in older persons at risk owing to subsyndromal symptoms. A visual flipchart was created to aid in the delivery of the intervention to individuals with poor reading levels.
Outcomes/Observations
Health wellbeing outcomes: In an open-case series, the administration of 'DIL' intervention resulted in a moderate decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as high rates of participant retention and satisfaction.
Impact Evaluations
Dias A et al.
Summary
Study aimed at assessing whether an intervention for depression prevention provided by lay counsellors is effective in older adults from low- and middle-income countries. 181 older adults with subsyndromal depressive symptoms were assessed at rural and urban primary care clinics in Goa. Problem-solving therapy, brief behavioral treatment for insomnia, education in self-care of common medical disorders such as diabetes, and assistance in accessing medical and social programs were administered.
Outcomes/Observations
Health wellbeing outcomes: The DIL intervention is effective for preventing episodes of major depression in older persons with subsyndromal symptoms. Only 4.4% of patients in the DIL group experienced an MINI-defined major depressive episode after randomization compared to 14.8% in the CAU group. The DIL was also associated with a significantly greater lowering of systolic blood pressure and change in body mass index.
Impact Evaluations
T. Dubowitz et al.
Summary
The study used impact evaluation to examine antenatal and birthing practices, colostrum delivery, delivery of breastmilk as first food, reported use of iodized salt, measured iodized salt status, immunization, and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) of children aged 0 to 36 months, while controlling for various socioeconomic status measures. The Dular program is intended to supplement and expand the government's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). This will be accomplished primarily via the mobilization and development of community resources at the grassroots level.
Outcomes/Observations
Health wellbeing outcomes: Differences were found between Dular and non-Dular villages in all major outcomes. Particularly noteworthy is that young children in Dular areas had a lower prevalence of severe malnutrition and were four times more likely to receive colostrum than those in non-Dular villages.
Impact Evaluations
Summary
SEWA Rural is a voluntary organization involved in health and development activities in rural and tribal areas of South Gujarat at Jhagadia since 1980. The activities were initiated by a group of young professionals with education and experience in India as well as abroad. The organization is based upon the ideals and ideas of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. It attempts to use the available manpower in order to reach out and aid the poorest of the poor and fulfil community needs through various programmes. The focus of these has been the more vulnerable members of society, i.e. the women, children & elderly.ImTeCHO (Innovative Mobile phone Technology for Community Health Operation) initiative is now being implemented to monitor maternal and newborn care.
Outcomes/Observations
Every year the number of direct beneficiaries is 200000 from 2000 villages, and 4000 families were able to come out of poverty. The innovations developed by SR have reached 60 million citizens. More than 110000 individual eye sights were reached. Every year about 70,000 out-patients & 12,000 in-patients are treated; about 2,200 deliveries & 7,000 operations are carried out. About 35% of the out-patients and 75% of Indoor patients are treated free. Medical students and interns from India as well as abroad come to the hospital for regular orientation and training.
Models
Summary
Mobile Health Scheme is an independent plan scheme “Special component plan for scheduled Castes.” Prevailing high disparity between rich and poor has forced this migrant population to settle in small groups in unauthorized colonies called J.J. Clusters. More than 2 million migrants were found to be in Delhi itself with around 35% living in the J.J. Clusters and unauthorized colonies. Hence this program is to strengthen the Mobile Health Scheme to provide basic health care to the residents at their door-step according to
their felt needs.
Outcomes/Observations
A fleet of 90 mobile vans
Patients attended: 21250000
New: 1467372
Old: 657628
Lab Investigations: 19428
Models
Summary
In the eighties, Stan Thekaekara and his wife, Mari, started Action for Community Organisation, Rehabilitation and Development (Accord), an NGO in Gudalur. A young doctor couple, Dr Narayanan Devadasan and Dr Roopa Devadasan joined Accord in 1987 and launched a community health programme to train village-level health workers selected from the community to prevent illnesses, provide immunization and nutrition to pregnant women and young children, and improve general health awareness. This effort grew into Ashwini, a charitable society established in 1990, which now runs a comprehensive health programme for the tribals of Gudalur. Ashwini also runs the Gudalur Adivasi Hospital. This time, it was another young doctor couple, Dr Shylaja Devi and Dr Nandakumar Menon, who took up the challenge of setting up the hospital and training young Adivasi girls as nurses.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
The Asha Kiran Society was started by young doctors. They did the survey and brought out the place of Lamtaput, a small hamlet in a remote corner of one of the most backward areas in the country. They started the hospital. Collaboration of healthcare and livelihood.
Outcomes/Observations
AKS now has a full-fledged community health department working in 120 villages of the Lamtaput block.
Models
Summary
Karuna Trust, established in 1986 is affiliated to Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) located at Biligiri Rangana Hills (B R Hills) in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka that works for tribal empowerment. Karuna trust works with the government providing high-quality and affordable health care.
Outcomes/Observations
Drop in the prevalence of leprosy from 21.4 per 1000 population to 0.28 per 1000 spanning across 26 years is a testimony for the success of the intervention.
Models
Summary
A non-profit joint project of the Palani Hills Health Development Trust (owned by mainly Adivasi people in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu) and Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. The aim is to provide primary health care with a focus on the more vulnerable sections of this community. They have adapted clinical guidelines in English and Tamil for Voluntary health workers, Full-time health workers for task sharing and quality assurance
Outcomes/Observations
According to the 2018-19 organization report, the ratio of women delivered in hospitals, health workers and unskilled was 55:0:9. Increase in average birth weight from 2 kg to 2.5 kg and only 3 Stillbirths. The perinatal mortality rate was 49/1000 total births and IMR was 50/1000 live births.
Models
Summary
India's premier research and development body, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Hewlett Packard (HP) jointly launched a rapidly deployable and fully integrated cloud-enabled eHealth Center (eHC), which has been co-developed by the two organizations.
It is an integral part of the CSIR 12th plan vision for Enabling Affordable Community Health through Information Technology (EACH-IT) and CSIR is providing the required connectivity, medical equipment and infrastructure. The eHealth Center is a fully integrated cloud-enabled healthcare solution that can be set up to provide affordable and preliminary healthcare in remote areas that have no immediate access to primary healthcare.
Outcomes/Observations
Over 4,000 patient visits were recorded in the first 100 days of the operation.
Models
Summary
The Institute for Transformative Technologies (ITT) is working with the Zila Parishad in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, and regional partners. The approach combines technology, improved clinical protocols and patient engagement at the last mile, and has been deployed in two sub-centres of Palghar. At the centre of this model are the sub-centres, which function as spoke clinics, where the ANM is empowered with the best-in-class technology (a software platform to track patient data and point-of-care diagnostics), and standardized clinical protocols. PHCs, which are staffed with medical officers, serve as the hub for the sub-centres. Innovations like Solar vaccine fridge, vermifiltration composting toilets, and infant warmer mat at PHCs makes the initiatives more climate-conscious and sustainable.
Outcomes/Observations
The current pilot programme - running in Jawhar block, Palghar district, with 300+ consultations and a 90% patient satisfaction rate recorded to date. Noticeable improvement (greater than 40% improvement in pre- and post-training test scores) in the ANM’s clinical skills, such as providing out-patient care for minor ailments such as fevers, infections, ante-natal care etc.,
Models
Summary
This health and development program aims to improve the health status in urban slums through the establishment of a decentralised health delivery system and the development of strong local structures. The project is operational in 27 slums of the Mundhwa-Ghorpadi area, serving a population of 30,000. Institute of Health Management, PACHOD - The primary health care programme aims to generate a demand for quality health services for women and children by increasing access to primary health services as dictated through participatory community needs assessments and ongoing surveillance systems. The program focuses on improving the coverage and quality of established services.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
NICE Foundation is a Public Charitable Trust Act started in 2002. The Foundation works towards saving lives by providing quality health care to the most deserving sections of society. Currently, the focus is on the following Young ones- the newborns and Children, most deserving - the government school child, Neglected tribal women and children, and the community at large through primary, preventive and promotive care.
Outcomes/Observations
RCH programme- The result of the CHAMPION Trial in reducing newborn mortality rate(25%). This project has now been expanded to benefit about 433 villages in the Nagarkurnool division in 13 mandals as CHAMPION Plus. Overall, 12500 pregnancy outcomes have been monitored till October 2016 since the inception of this unit. Besides this, there are 72,500 potential women who are monitored closely under the age group of 12-49 years. School Health Programme: SHP is benefitting about 53000 children from 256 government schools in Hyderabad in 5 mandals, namely Bandlaguda, Shaikpet, Golconda, Asifnagar and Bahadurpura.
Models
Summary
SughaVazhvu is a fully owned subsidiary of IKP Trust and the field implementation partner of IKP Centre for Technologies in Public Health (ICTPH), for their integrated rural healthcare pilot. This project aims to launch a nurse practitioner-based comprehensive fixed-price health care system, in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It operates through a hub and spoke model. The spokes consist of 20 front-end health kiosks operated by general nurse midwives (GNMs). Doctors located at the hubs will manage both the network of kiosks and the upward referral network for secondary and tertiary care. In addition to the doctors, the hub also houses a pharmacy and a diagnostic lab.Provides healthcare to a population between 6,000 and 10,000 people.
Outcomes/Observations
Served over 50,000 people, approximately 2500 households
Models
Summary
The aim is to extend innovations and improvements in healthcare benefits to the low-income segments and create a holistic health system that enables harmony between dignity for patients and opportunities for providers. Over the years, they have taken up projects in the field of health insurance, modelling as an aggregator of providers, setting up their own primary-preventive healthcare clinics in Mumbai, and backward Integration- setting up pathology labs, warehousing, etc. Expanded into Ahmedabad with 2 clinics.
Outcomes/Observations
Each medical centre has a catchment of 100,000 people. Total patient visits have been increasing steadily, family registrations, and savings per person - are raising, and recovery too.
Models
Summary
Aardram Mission is aimed to provide patient-friendly and quality care services to the outpatient wing of Medical Colleges. Aardram Peoples Health Campaign was launched
on 18th November 2019. Following the state-level launch district-level and LSG level launching of the campaign have been started in all districts. This state-wide campaign will be implemented locally under the leadership of respective LSG and Heath & Family Welfare Department with the active involvement of Missions, line departments/agencies, NGOs, CBOs etc.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
ITC healthcare initiative (Corporate Social Responsibility), continued to look for ways to address the unmet needs of the rural population. it to develop a business model for the provision of health care services in its catchment area has been complied with after thorough primary and secondary research on the organization. ITC set up village internet kiosks - e-Choupals, trained from the same village about up-to-date information about agriculture demand, price, information and healthcare.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
The Community Based Health Project (CBHP) is a non- profit organization based in India The Community Based Health Project is a group of health workers in Buldhana, Maharashtra, working to lift their community out of poverty, to provide better health and a better future for all. Inspired by the success of the Jamkhed model for rural transformation in India, CBHP India is registered with the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA) and GuideStar India as St. Luke’s Community Health and Development Centre.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
Dr G. Venkataswamy (Dr V), the founder of the Aravind Eye Care System, had a strong awareness of the barriers to eye care experienced by people in the greatest need: poverty, fear, suspicion and lack of transport. He started organizing eye camps as early as the 1960s when he was in government service. He played a major role in the development of outreach programmes in eye care. Local hospitals, religious organizations, educational organizations, and service organizations are utilized for community engagement. Aravind, ever since its inception, focused on community outreach programmes which take eye care service to the doorstep of the needy.
Outcomes/Observations
Over the years, camps became an integral part of Aravind’s eye care delivery contributing 30% to the total cataract surgeries performed. Through a vast network of community partners, every year, the organization conducts over 2,500 free eye camps.
Models
Summary
LCECU hospital setting started in the 1980s. 2002 onwards - community-level rehabilitation started. Outreach clinics. And later expanded in a structured way to 6 slum areas. LCECU is situated slightly away from the main hospital and aims to provide quality but low-cost care to the poorest inhabitants of Vellore.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
Rishi Valley Education Centre is run by Krishnamurti Foundation, India. This remote valley is located near his birthplace in Madanapalle. It is located in a sheltered valley in the interior of rural Andhra Pradesh, about 15 km from the nearest town, Madanapalle, and about 140 km northeast of Bangalore. The Rural Health Centre, an outreach programme of the Rishi Valley Education Centre, was set up in July 1999, when a doctor (an old student) joined Rishi Valley with the intent of working with the rural poor.
Outcomes/Observations
Area Covered: Approximately 60 revenue villages with a Below Poverty Line population of 200,000, located in the northern parts of Chittoor, contiguous parts of Anantapur and YSR (Kadapa) districts in AP and adjoining parts of Karnataka state.
Models
Summary
The Comprehensive Rural Health Project, Jamkhed (CRHP), was Founded in 1970 by Drs. Raj and Mabelle Arole to bring healthcare to the poorest of the poor, CRHP has become an organization that empowers people and communities to eliminate injustices through integrated efforts in health and development. CRHP works for the capacity building of communities to achieve access to comprehensive development and freedom from stigma, poverty, and disease. The work of CRHP has been recognized by the WHO and UNICEF and has been introduced to communities around the world.
Outcomes/Observations
Annually, CRHP provides services that directly impact 500,000 people in the state of Maharashtra. Since the opening of the Training Center in 1994, over 30,000 local and 3,000 international representatives from NGOs, governments and healthcare professionals have been trained in the CRHP approach
Models
Summary
Basic Health Care Services (BHS) is a start-up not-for-profit organization, with the vision of a responsive and effective healthcare ecosystem that is rooted in the community, where the most vulnerable communities can actively access high-quality, low-cost health services with dignity.
Outcomes/Observations
(2019-2020), 18143 adults, 10441 children, and 2278 infants were served. 52% of the total service users were women in the AMRIT clinics, and 38% were women users in the PPP model PHC. More than 95% were tribal users, and >72% of users fell under BPL. 128 patients
successfully treated for TB, 333 deliveries were conducted at the PPP PHC, 531 children vaccinated at PHC, 440 and 519 received 1st and 2nd dose of TT in
PHC.
Models
Dyalchand A et al.
Summary
Outcomes/Observations
Impact Evaluations
Summary
Ross Clinics was founded By Dr Devashish in 2011 with the envision of building an enduring institution aiming to transform primary health care in India, with more than 100 clinics across India by 2018. The mission is to rejuvenate primary health care in India, delivering promotive, preventive and curative services, and making health care accessible and affordable for Indian families and communities. Multi Facility health clinics are open all 7 days a week from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. Family physicians, dentists and physiotherapists under one roof with house visits based on need.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
NationWidePrimary Healthcare Services Pvt. Ltd was founded in April 2010 with the aim to revolutionize the way primary care is delivered in the community. Founded by Dr Santanu Chattopadhyay and Dr Shantanu Rahman, supported by a team of management experts, NationWide envisaged bringing the best international practices in Primary Healthcare to India and spearheading a paradigm shift in India’s healthcare delivery system. Nationwide worked on the concept of “Bringing back the Family Doctor '' aiming to revive the age-old family doctor model that worked well, but has disappeared from the Indian healthcare scenario over the past decade. The chain’s primary care clinics focus on bridging the gap between fragmented general practitioner (GP) services and highly expensive super-specialist hospital care, by creating a single point of medical care for their patients’ everyday healthcare needs.
Outcomes/Observations
The doctor gets rated by the customer (patient) NationWide clinics have a feedback rate of almost 75% from returning patients and about 100% feedback from new patients.
Models
Summary
Health assure is a primary healthcare start-up organization which provides online / tele-specialized consultations. It's a technology platform-based service tied up with near health centres with packages.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
Merrygold Health Network aims at creating access to low-cost good quality Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services by networking with Private health service providers as franchisees. The aim was to create a social enterprise offering Standard Care at Standard Cost.
Outcomes/Observations
A number of clients served:
March 2015: 14652 clients
HLFPPT would be upscaling the MGHN model to cover over 1000 private facilities (almost 20% of all existing private facilities) across all 75 districts of the state during three
years period
Models
Summary
LifeSpring hospital is a model that provides high-quality care to patients at a subsidized low cost. LifeSpring measures their quality of care with a set of metrics, including caesarean section rate, protocol compliance rate, infection rate and referral rate. Lifespring hospitals mainly focus on MCH services.Lifespring target is Women Pregnant women Infants and young children, ages 0 to 4/low income
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
PCMH is an incubation centre for people working towards primary healthcare and public health. Aveksha the Home Based Primary Care and Palliative Care Program initiated in April 2019 and incubated in PCMH was conceived to revive and redefine the approach to home-based care with the principles of family medicine and palliative care; attending to the entire spectrum of cradle to grave
Outcomes/Observations
Known to be LGBT friendly centre with high followup
Models
Summary
The foundation implements projects through Piramal Swasthya, Piramal Sarvajal and Piramal Foundation of Education Leadership. Partnership with state governments. Piramal Swasthya is focused on bridging public healthcare gaps by supplementing and complementing the Government of India’s vision to meet Universal Health Coverage. PiramalSwasthya is a not-for-profit organization in India – in the primary public healthcare space with a focus on Maternal Health, Child and Adolescent Health, Non - communicable Diseases.
Outcomes/Observations
21 states, 35 innovative public health care delivery programs
Models
Summary
FamPhy was created to create a system where practising as a GP or a Family Doctor is economically viable in India which will motivate doctors to work as GPS of Family Physicians instead of looking for specialisations or leaving the country. They provide care to patients at home and have on-the-job training for doctors to become good family physicians. It is an online app-based booking facility.
Outcomes/Observations
Till now they have reached 30000 patients.
Models
Summary
Operate in three verticals, the high street, gated communities, and corporates. Strive to bring primary healthcare closer to patients with the adoption of best practices and the latest technology. Idea is to have a one-stop solution for outpatient health care. Family Doctor outlets have one to two consultation rooms, a treatment room, reception and a pharmacy. These clinics are manned by one or two doctors, two nurses, two pharmacists and a receptionist.
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
Invest for Wellness (i4We), incubated by the Catalyst Group, is a system innovation in primary healthcare, which combines health and wealth interventions, and focuses on wellness for the poor in an affordable, quality-assured, and scalable way.
Outcomes/Observations
i4We aim to increase healthy days (by reducing unhealthy days by 30%), reduce undiagnosed conditions (by 30%) and deliver an independently certified Social Return on investment (SROI) of 30% for the investor.
Models
Naslund J A et al.
Summary
The review identified studies from low-income and middle-income countries involving the use of digital technology for supporting nonspecialist health workers in the delivery of mental health care and highlighted that in countries where there is an established cadre of non-specialist health workers, digital technology could serve an especially important role for developing skills and competencies among these health workers to deliver evidence-based mental health care
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes
Among all the programs reviewed, most involved training and capacity building of community health workers as well as community champions for patient screening. Many of the projects leveraged technology that is widely available, such as text messaging, voice calls, and smartphones, to facilitate supervision of nonspecialist health workers and to allow those workers to send reminders and supportive messages to their patients.
Reviews
Summary
Jhpiego- Nishtha-This five-year project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, aims to transform, redesign and re-engineer primary health care in India. At the end of the project, Jhpiego will have established a series of learning labs across the country and upgraded and operationalized an estimated 30,050 health facilities into functional health and wellness centres, providing approximately 143 million people with access to high-quality,
comprehensive primary health care services.
Outcomes/Observations
Stated impact: At the end of the project, Jhpiego will have established a series of learning labs across the country and upgraded and operationalized an estimated 30,050 health facilities into functional health and wellness centres, providing approximately 143 million people with access to high-quality, comprehensive primary health care services
Models
Summary
Outcomes/Observations
Not available
Models
Summary
Christian Hospital, Bissamcuttack is a crucial, unique and strategically significant institution for south Odisha, located in the small town of Bissamcuttack in the hill district of Rayagada, Odisha. The people of this region are mostly from the Adivasi Community with 62% belonging to the Kondh Tribe & 16% belonging to the Dalit Community. It works with 12,700 people in 53 predominantly tribal villages, towards the dream of Health, Education, Economic Security and Social
Outcomes/Observations
No consolidated report is available
Models
Summary
Development of the Humane Action (DHAN) Foundation, a professional development organisation, was initiated on October 2, 1997. The Foundation works to make significant changes in the livelihoods of the poor through innovative themes and institutions. Over these years, it has evolved a community health intervention model and promoted SUHAM (Sustainable Healthcare Advancement), an exclusive vertical institution to work on it in coordination with other development programmes and institutions promoted by DHAN. Partnerships with private, public and other like-minded institutions helped in the initiation and growth of the health programme, which continues to advance over the years.
Outcomes/Observations
No consolidated report is available
Models
Summary
Development Organization engaged in building a new civil society in India through its grassroots to policy level action in Health, Education, Community Development & Training sectors. VMH is a secondary care hospital in Saragur with community health programs
Outcomes/Observations
As per the website, 89% of institutional deliveries were achieved, 63,000 were reached through HIV care, 18,000 tribal populations seek care from the health centre, and 2lakh+ people were reached through the WASH program in Bengaluru and Raichur.
Models
Summary
Rural Health Care Foundation was started with inspiration from the late Arun Nevatia. Anant Nevatia founded RHCF and opened the 1st primary health care centre at Mayapur in Nadia District of West Bengal. RHCF works to address the gap in the availability of low-cost primary health care for rural and urban underprivileged communities.
Outcomes/Observations
Treated over 2.5 million patients at healthcare centres
Models
Summary
BAIF is an organization governed by Gandhian values and a blend of development research, capacity building and improved quality of life. “BAIF is a unique organisation. The programmes address various social development needs that improve the quality of life – through better health, reduced drudgery and an enriched environment – and build capacities of the participant families. BAIF works across India to create opportunities for gainful self-employment for rural families. The program provides health care and health microinsurance
Outcomes/Observations
Number of facilities/outlets involved: 750 facilities/outlets.
Models
Summary
CARE Hospitals (CARE), was founded in 1997 by a group of physicians, chaired by Dr Soma Raju.CARE Hospitals has been established with the mission of maximizing accessibility and providing high-quality care at lower costs. Being a private for-profit entity providing tertiary and quaternary care, it has worked towards being economical, cost-effective and also towards Primary Health care for rural communities through multiple long-term projects and partnerships
Outcomes/Observations
Demonstrated - charging 50 rupees per person per month, diabetes can be managed as per international standards. 80% of the people could have their sugars controlled, and their blood pressure controlled. With 5000 heart failure patients with the program and the standardized care pathways, demonstrated that the adoption of evidence-based therapies increased from 40% to 80%. And there was a 50% reduction in rehospitalization and 30% reduction in mortality and a significant reduction in the cost of care.
Models
Summary
The voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) is a federation of 24 State Voluntary Health Associations, linking together more than 4500 health and development institutions across the country. VHAI advocates people-centred policies for dynamic health planning and programme management in India. They initiate and support innovative health and development programmes at the grassroots with the active participation of the people. VHAI strives to build up a strong health movement in the country for a cost-effective, preventive, promotive and rehabilitative healthcare system.
Outcomes/Observations
Outcomes as of March 2019:
Total number of people through community-based
awareness 1,67,875
total number of people screened 15100
total number of high-risk cases tested 4218
total number of positive cases referred for diagnosis
and treatment 1186
Models
Summary
Karma Healthcare is a healthcare start-up working to provide equitable access to quality primary healthcare. It provides affordable, accessible, quality primary health care, Karma health uses a judicious mix of technology and on-ground interventions to improve health outcomes.
Outcomes/Observations
NA
Models
Summary
SNEHA is a non-profit organization that works with women, children and public health and safety systems. Their work in urban informal settlements aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, child malnutrition and gender-based violence. SNEHA’s Sanjeevan Mobile Clinic aimed to improve health access and primary care services for underserved populations. Operational from 2015 to February 2019
Outcomes/Observations
Maternal health program of SNEHA:
155 public health facilities strengthened to deliver quality health services (until 2018), and 78,221+ high-risk pregnant women were assisted to deliver safely through SNEHA- initiated referral networks (2012-2018). 3,283 public Health Post staff trained in maternal and
newborn care(2012-2018)
2,982 govt. outreach workers trained to address maternal and neonatal health in their communities(2012-18)
Mobile health clinic
- 10,956 patients accessed the outpatient department
services (2016-17)
- 5,279patients attended preventive and promotive
services (2016-17)
- 1,941people accessed diagnostic services (2016-17)
- 892 referrals made to public health institutions (2016-17)
Models
Summary
The Sundarbans are home to 4.5 million of India's poorest and most vulnerable people. A high percentage of the population lives below the poverty line. Around 1970, Tushar Kantilla, At the age of 37, started the comprehensive development programme in three villages and today, it has spread to a large part of the Sunderbans. In the beginning, the Rangabelia Comprehensive Rural Development project focused on agriculture and tried to free poor villagers from the local money lenders. Today, it delivers a spectrum of development interventions from agriculture to health initiatives
Outcomes/Observations
Population covered-3,88,500
Models
Summary
GNRC (formerly known as Guwahati Neurological Research Centre), the first super speciality healthcare centre in North East India, was established in 1987 by neurologist Dr Nomal Chandra Borah. The objective of the Affordable Health Mission under GNRC will be to create awareness among people about how the lack of access to affordable healthcare impacts individuals, societies and economies. The Mission will encourage individual and collective contributions to make the world a better place by facilitating access to affordable healthcare.
Outcomes/Observations
Swasthya Mitra – reached 10 million people
May be under ( not mentioned which project) swasthya yatra- Free doctors consultation-1013051, Free emergency treatment-76325, CT Scan 25774, free drugs-237071, free ECG- 37197, free X RAY-12298, free lab services-
149193,freeUltrasound 14007, FreeRBS-19356
Models
Summary
Basic Health Care Services (BHS) is a not-for-profit organization, started in the year 2012 in Rajasthan near the city of Udaipur. BHS is driven by the vision of a responsive and effective healthcare ecosystem that is rooted in the community, where the most vulnerable communities can actively access high-quality, low-cost health services with dignity. BHS has a chain of clinics named AMRIT clinics. The aim is to provide healthcare to rural communities.
Outcomes/Observations
(2019-2020), 18143 adults, 10441 children, and 2278 infants were served. 52% of the total service users were women in the AMRIT clinics, and 38% were women users in the PPP model PHC. More than 95% were tribal users, and >72% of users fell under BPL. 128 patients were successfully treated for TB, and 333 deliveries were conducted.
Models
Summary
SATHI is the action centre of Anusandhan Trust. The SATHI team originated in October 1998 as a part of CEHAT. Trust started in 2005, headquartered in Pune. SATHI works with the motto of ‘Health For All’ through collective action and research. In collaboration with like-minded organizations. SATHI works on health rights issues, through partnerships with civil society organizations, and facilitates advocacy at the local, district, state and national levels.
Outcomes/Observations
NA
Models
Summary
The India Local Initiatives Program adapted a model used in Indonesia and Bangladesh to implement the government's reproductive and child health strategy. From 1999 to 2003, three Indian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) provided services for 784,000 people in four northern states.
Outcomes/Observations
From 1999 to 2003, three Indian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) provided services for 784,000 people in four northern states. The program established health committees in 620 villages, recruited and trained 1,850 community health volunteers, and added 232 sites to extend government services.
Models
Summary
Ekjut works for the improvement of maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition by partnering with underserved, marginalized communities, through their empowerment, community-based interventions and influencing good governance for improving access and quality of services.
Their main focus has been on empowering rural communities by facilitating participatory learning and action for reducing newborn mortality.
Outcomes/Observations
The interventions have contributed to the empowerment of the communities and have resulted in considerable decrease in the newborn mortality and maternal deaths, especially in areas which lack access to health services and with difficult geographical
terrain.
Models
Summary
ACORN Foundation India stands strong and proud of the four R's. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Respect. The ACORN Foundation India Trust organizes ragpickers and trains them in scientific methods of waste handling, segregation and recycling. The Dharavi Project in Mumbai is an initiative of the ACORN Foundation (India) and is a registered charitable trust. The Dharavi Project is a multimedia project that utilizes artists and social-impact programs to change the living conditions of over 100,000, 'rag-pickers' who are segregating waste in and around the landfills of Mumbai. Its mission is to increase the welfare of rag-pickers and give their profession a legitimate and sustainable voice in the recycling and waste-management value chain at Dharavi.
Outcomes/Observations
NA
Models
Balhara et al.
Summary
In LMICs, both depression and alcohol use disorders are highly prevalent. Both give people and their families a significant amount of distress. It is necessary for the development of efficient and thorough management strategies that address both alcohol use disorders and depression and the need to be seamlessly incorporated into the health-care systems of these nations. This article reviews and synthesizes the available literature on depression and alcohol-use disorders from the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, with respect to epidemiology, screening instruments, interventions and services, and policy.
Outcomes/Observations
Not reported
Reviews
Nirupam Bajpai and Manisha Wadhwa
Summary
Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) initiative aims to ensure universal access to an expanded range of comprehensive primary health care services. This program is upgraded to handle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, CVD, diabetes and respiratory diseases, mental illnesses and other chronic diseases. And also provide a wider range of free drugs and diagnostics, services related to elderly care, oral health, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care,eye care and basic emergency care in addition to the RMNCH+A and basic infection care.
Outcomes/Observations
In addition to RMNCH+A and the management of communicable diseases, HWCs will now offer services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), ophthalmic conditions, ENT care, oral health, elderly care, mental health, and emergency care. The infrastructure at all levels of care primary, secondary, and tertiary will be upgraded. Improved coverage of the population, to raise community awareness of various health disorders, their risk factors, and available preventative and therapeutic measures. HWCs will also offer a platform for multiple employment opportunities as a result of the expansion of health care services, and states will enter into partnerships with diverse organizations for a variety of purposes.
Reviews
Dodd R et al.
Summary
There is a large evidence gap on how PHC should be (re-) organized to integrate chronic disease care with well-established PHC services such as maternal and child health and the treatment of acute infectious diseases. This paper synthesizes evidence on the organization of PHC service delivery in LMICs in the Asia Pacific and identifies evidence of effective approaches and pathways of impact. Literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating interventions to reorganize PHC delivery with the aim of improving PHC outcomes of quality, coverage, efficiency, responsiveness or equity articles.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Community and mid-level health workers have a positive impact on the quality, coverage and efficiency of PHC services, including in delivering NCD prevention and management.
Organisational outcomes: To strengthen PHC workforce capacity and care pathways through interventions such as training and use of decision-support tools and guidelines.
Health and well being outcomes : Interventions to improve coverage broadly fell into two domains: community outreach programmes and studies of essential facility-based services delivered by NPHWs.
Reviews
Wells KJ et al.
Summary
A narrative review of published articles describing the use of community-engaged research methods to address health problems in India. The article's aim was to describe community-engaged research studies involving adults and sex workers. Some research focused primarily on enhancing the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Health professionals provided management and leadership skills in the initial years of the project until members of the community were ready to assume these roles.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Community-engaged research was used for the prevention and management of HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections. The study examined issues related to improving the quality of life and quality of care of people with disabilities.
Social outcomes: The project worked to increase the political power of the community and to obtain services and education for sex workers' children.
Reviews
Sarkar A et al.
Summary
This systematic review showed that a combination of community-based interventions targeting young married couples, influential family members, community members, and health systems was effective in delaying pregnancy, increasing contraceptive use and pregnancy care, and can improve the utilization of reproductive health services among young couples in resource-constrained settings. The review also highlighted that there is less focus on strategies to delay the first pregnancy as compared to spacing among young women.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes- Training of health service providers, paramedics & community workers on the health-service needs of young married women/couples improved the knowledge of the target group on reproductive health, service utilization for contraception, and pregnancy care. Health & Well-being outcomes - Formation of women groups, involving them in group counseling, home visits by frontline/outreach workers, and supporting them with the establishment of a small emergency fund were shown to be the most effective interventions to educate young married couples
Reviews
Kohrt BA et al.
Summary
This article identified community components described in the literature using a review-of-reviews approach that comprised 23 systematic reviews of intervention trials in LMICs. The objective was to map the landscape of community-based, empirically supported mental health interventions and draw conclusions about how effectively to implement them. Studies for perinatal mental disorders, psychosis, substance use disorders, and mental disorders affecting children and adolescents have been identified from LMIC in a number of different regions, including China, India, Iran, South Africa, Turkey, Chile, Mexico, Pakistan, Uganda, Mexico, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Lay health workers in rural India were able to communicate with the local population more effectively because they employed local cultural languages.
Organizational outcomes: Schools were believed to enhance accessibility for children and reduce stigmatization concerns. The school-based strategy encouraged support and buy-in from the local neighborhood and parents.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: Psychoeducation and crisis management interventions minimize unintentional hospitalizations in HIC settings, and they could have a comparable impact in LMICs. VISHRAM, a grassroots, community-based mental health initiative in India, is one important study. By enhancing mental health literacy, it revealed a six-fold increase in contact coverage for depression.
Social outcomes: A small percentage of interventions for people with psychosis highlighted how involvement in the community might help its members change their perspectives and build a support system.
Reviews
Steedman MR et al.
Summary
The authors of this article explore innovative approaches that have improved end-of-life care, particularly in resource-constrained countries including Nigeria, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Jordan. They also acknowledge the significance of finding approaches that emphasize numerous strategies collaborating across various disciplines to enhance the delivery of end-of-life care. Even examine how access to opioids for the treatment of pain has increased, as well as how training and educational initiatives have increased the availability of care for the elderly and dying population.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes:Countries lack professionals who are knowledgeable and trained in palliative and end-of-life care. Utilizing innovative methods, education and training in palliative and end-of-life care could be enhanced.
Health and wellbeing outcomes:The majority of countries do not have access to essential medications for treating pain and symptom management in NCDs. Although the patients have access to and are able to use opioids and other necessary medications to treat their pain.
Social outcomes: Governments should develop supporting policies for palliative and end-of-life care since these services are not prioritized in the delivery of healthcare.
Reviews
Lassi ZS and Bhutta ZA
Summary
This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating community-based intervention programs since they can lower maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality while also enhancing neonatal outcomes. Intervention packages included additional training in maternal care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period as well as regular newborn care for outreach workers.These workers included female health workers/visitors, community midwives, community/village health workers, facilitators or TBAs.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcome: Neonatal mortality was reduced by 25% as a result of outreach workers being trained and supervised to conduct maternal and newborn care services.
Patient outcome: Traditional birth attendants' (TBAs') home visits with midwives had a substantial influence on lowering stillbirths by 46%, while their home visits by TBAs alone had not much impact.
Health and well-being outcome: Community-based packages that disseminated education and promoted awareness related to birth and newborn care preparedness were best for reducing total and early neonatal deaths. These strategies focused on women in the antenatal period and early newborn care, management, and referrals of sick newborns.
Reviews
Balabanova D et al.
Summary
The authors of this study examined why certain countries are more successful than others in improving their health or increasing access to essential services.The objective was to identify interventions in each country that might be associated with certain health gains, primarily in the areas of maternal and child health, a decision that was made based on the data that was available. Then, with the aim of determining feasible pathways to health improvement based on an integrated study across levels of the health system in various settings, understand how and why certain changes took place, taking into account elements inside health systems and their larger context.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcome: Community health workers expanded the range of their work in Bangladesh and Tamil Nadu, providing primary care and referrals while making house visits, which enhanced the degree of integration between vertical programs, notably in maternity and child health.
Health and well-being outcome: With the smallest discrepancy between the richest and poorest quintiles and between rural and urban regions, Tamil Nadu had the greatest immunization coverage in India by the early 1990s. This accomplishment was made possible by the integration of immunization into primary care.
Reviews
Macinko J et al.
Summary
This review analyzed 36 peer-reviewed articles to assess the impact of primary health care (PHC) on health outcomes in LMICs. The setting, research design, target audience, primary care metrics, and overall findings of the studies were summarized and evaluated. The results show that the majority of the research showing the effectiveness of PHC is focused on infant and child health. There is a significant amount of evidence that PHC improves population long-term health.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Activities of CHWs like Home-based neonatal care reduced neonatal mortality at the end of the 3rd year of intervention by more than 25%.
Health & Well-being outcomes: Provision of adequate maternal and child health services improved child survival, and decreased infant and child mortality.
Reviews
Singh K et al.
Summary
The objective of this review is to synthesize and provide recent research on the effectiveness of various forms of public health interventions in reducing NCD burden. NCD risk in communities can be reduced through interventions that affect behavioral risk factors through public policy, education, or a combination of the two. Additionally, it provides evidence of public health initiatives that have helped both developed and developing nations reduce the burden of NCDs and explains how these initiatives may be placed in the Indian context.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: Early intervention for alcohol-related problems was associated with reduced accident rates and violent incidents.
Patient outcomes: Two or three cancer screenings per lifetime would significantly lower risk by more than 50% and be very cost-effective.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Increasing the minimum drinking age reduces adolescent drinking and traffic accidents.
Social outcomes: Tax increases on tobacco products reduce consumption, saving lives in high and low-income countries.
Reviews
Schoonees A et al.
Summary
In this article the authors assessed the standard Ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) compared to an alternative dietary approach and examined whether smaller amounts and different formulations of RUTF can achieve similar health outcomes in severely malnourished children aged between six months and five years. The main health outcomes that they investigated were recovery from severe malnutrition, deterioration or relapse, death and the rate of weight gain.
Outcomes/Observations
Patient outcomes:RUTF can be used as a supplement and formulation can achieve better health outcomes for children suffering from SAM.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level):Caretakers of children with SAM should maintain and develop culture-specific dietary practices rather than depending on medical nutritional therapy since home-based treatment is more practical in rural regions. The effects of standard RUTF on mortality and weight gain are not favorable, although it may help with recovery and relapse.
Reviews
Menzies NA et al.
Summary
This paper evaluates the resource needs and cost-effectiveness of various techniques to achieve the End TB Strategy in China, India, and South Africa. Nine independent modeling groups collaborated to estimate policy outcomes. The paper assessed the cost of each scenario by combining service use estimates, empirical cost data, and expert advice on implementation options.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Expansion of tuberculosis services reduced patient-incurred costs and net cost savings, resulting in substantial health gains.
Reviews
Gupta et al.
Summary
The intervention National Programme for Prevention of Burn Injuries (NPPBI) harbors 3 major components to be piloted initially through medical colleges and to be later rolled out through government hospitals: a) preventive programme - to cater to the need for communication and organizational strategies,
b) burn injury management programme - at the primary level, the existing resources to be used for the management of burn injuries;
c) burn injury rehabilitation programme - at the primary level, co-ordinating with village-based government units, like the Anganwadi centres.
Outcomes/Observations
The article was written before the intervention programme was conducted and thus, no impact evaluation is prevalent in the report.
Impact Evaluations
Johri et al.
Summary
Village health and nutrition days (VHND) initiated by the GoI in 2007 was designed to help villagers learn about the protective and promotive aspects of healthcare and to foster appropriate healthcare habits. Core VHND services include reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, tuberculosis and HIV treatment and control, and counseling for communicable disease prevention and health promotion. VHND is organized monthly in each village to facilitate regular service contact and ensure that rural residents do not have to incur costs related to time and travel.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes - Increased satisfaction level of frontline workers due to improved financial incentives
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level) - Services related to antenatal care and
immunization reportedly delivered with good fidelity under VHND. Other services were infrequently provided or were completely absent.
Unintended outcomes - High level satisfaction with services received - 98.6% (277/281) planned to attend the next VHND
Impact Evaluations
Gudlavalleti VS et al.
Summary
The pilot study was divided into two parts: a pilot for diabetic retinopathy and one for retinopathy of prematurity which aimed to promote policy changes, development of national guidelines, capacity of eye care, physician teams and neonatal care, awareness levels, and integrated models for screening and treatment of retinopathy.Early screenings and e-learning modules were developed, patient-tracking softwares were developed, and telephone counseling helplines were launched.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes:21 ophthalmologists, 21 pediatricians, 48 nurses, 19 nurse educators, and 16 district early intervention centers had been trained to improve neonatal care and reduce the risk of diabetes retinopathy conditions.
Organizational outcomes:The treatment for diabetes retinopathy conditions was made more accessible and cost-effective through 16 screening facilities, free screening for patient-tracking softwares, upgraded equipment, IT support, and telephone counseling helplines.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Preterm infants, diabetic patients, and diabetic patients were screened and treated, reducing the need for people to travel far for screening processes.
Social outcomes: By the end of the project there was the drafting of operational safety guidelines and national guidelines, diabetes support groups established.
Impact Evaluations
Kalita A and Mondal S
Summary
In order to promote community engagement, improved service delivery, public system accountability, and the rationalization of human resources, integrated governance is important, as this study seeks to understand. It analyzes the strategies of innovative institutional structures to translate such integration in the areas of public health and nutrition for disadvantaged communities.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Community monitoring of health and nutrition programs and service delivery increased to 29.4%, with ANMs taking specific actions to cover all families and raise awareness at cluster level meetings. Village health and nutrition days were held in 95.7% of villages, access to services increased to 96%, demand for services increased to 72%, and quality of services improved.
Organizational outcomes: Human resource convergence leads to increased referral of pregnant women and children, greater problem solving, interaction with other functionaries, knowledge about government programs, and knowledge about maternal and child nutrition.
Social outcomes:Post interventions, 78.6% of gram sabhas discussed health and nutrition, and 63.6% were aware of entitlements at the health sub-centre.
Impact Evaluations
Amudhan S et al.
Summary
This paper examined the effectiveness of demand-side and supply-side interventions to support institutional delivery, using 7796 births from the Ballabgarh Health and Demographic Surveillance Site between 2006 and 2010. A multiple baseline design was used to compute the difference in differences in the rate of institutional deliveries. Logistic regression estimated increases in the odds of institutional deliveries after adjustment for caste and maternal education.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: The proportion of institutional deliveries in the study area increased from 42% to 70% from 2009-10, with the maximum increase occurring in 2009-10. Villages within 5km of Ballabgarh town had a higher rate of institutional deliveries (61%), followed by villages of Zone D (30%). At the end of the study period, Zone B and Zone D were equal (80%).
Social outcomes: JSY and PHC 24/7 had significant effects in improving the rate of institutional deliveries, with JSY being more effective in the poorer section of the community. However, when JSY was strengthened by improved access to the PHC, it did not have any additional effect on the disadvantaged.
Impact Evaluations
Peters DH et al.
Summary
The study tested whether a decision support technology for non-physicians can increase health care utilization and quality. The decision support technology uses the Early Diagnosis and Prevention System, a computer program developed by a non-profit organization built on commercially available software in India. A convenience sample of 1557 consecutive patients was taken from two busy outpatient clinics in areas neighboring the study area to compare assessments made by the Early Diagnosis and Prevention System and an independent panel of physicians.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The physician’s main diagnosis was always consistent with one of the possible diagnoses suggested by the software, but the computer diagnoses lacked any order of priority, probability, or severity of the condition to make further comparisons based on the diagnosis.
Organizational outcomes: The results showed the monthly new patient load increased by 18% at intervention sites (from 1808 to 2002 new patients) compared with a 5% decline at control sites (from 2038 to 1932 new patients).
Impact Evaluations
Myers EF et al.
Summary
This 12-month prospective randomized cluster trial of 20 dietitians in India compared usual care (UC) and evidence-based nutrition practice guideline (EBNPG) care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Baseline, 6-month, and 12-month data from 238 patients were analyzed. EBNPG implementation was evaluated using the Ottawa Model for Knowledge Transfer. EBNPG and UC groups achieved significant hemoglobin A1C improvements. EBNPG-treated participants were significantly more likely to meet low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride goals at 6 or 12 months.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes - There was considerably more attrition at the dietitian level in the EBNPG group, with greater demand for influencing the healthcare system.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level)- Patients in the EBNPG group were significantly more likely to meet goals for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides than patients in the UC group.
Impact Evaluations
Baqui A et al.
Summary
This study evaluated the impact of a large-scale community-based integrated nutrition and health programme implemented by the Indian government in two rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, northern India. Using a quasi-experimental design large-scale community-based integrated nutrition and health programme (INHP) was evaluated. In this programme, auxiliary nurses and midwives were trained to educate mothers on maternal and newborn care. Mothers who had given birth in the 2 years preceding the surveys were interviewed. The limited programme coverage did not affect neonatal mortality at the population level. Still, a reduction in neonatal mortality rates in those receiving postnatal home visits showed the potential for the programme to affect neonatal deaths.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: There was an improvement in the Mother's knowledge of maternal and newborn care. In the intervention district, the frequency of home visits by community-based workers increased during both antenatal (from 16% to 56%) and postnatal (from 3% to 39%) periods, as did the frequency of maternal and newborn care practices.
Unintended outcomes: There was an improvement in the use of healthcare services.
Impact Evaluations
Pruthu TK et al.
Summary
A record-based study was conducted to audit diabetes care among patients attending noncommunicable disease clinics in a rural health center in South India. Monitoring of blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, and renal function test were considered for auditing by standard guidelines. A clinical audit cycle (CAC), a simple management tool, was applied, and a re-audit was done after 1-year. 156 and 180 patient records were reviewed during year-1 and year-2, respectively.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: The regularity of NCD clinic patients improved from 54% to 91% (P < 0.001). Patients with ideal follow-up care increased from 3% to 48% (P < 0.001). Monitoring of blood glucose, BP, lipid profile, and renal function improved significantly between the two audits. Applying CAC ( Clinical Audit Cycle) in this setting significantly improved all indicators related to the care process, as depicted in the year-2 audit.
Impact Evaluations
Goel P et al.
Summary
The study aimed to assess the economic gains that can be made by designing and operating an indigenously fabricated portable dental unit in rural areas. The study team looked at the use of a dental chair and ancillary equipment manufactured in India, which is a fraction of the cost of imported equipment. Using the above-mentioned equipment, they used retrospective data from dental camps conducted in Jaipur between 2005 to 2012. Cost efficiency was determined by comparing total revenue over seven years (2005 to 2012). The operational efficiency of portable dental units was also compared with dental vans on various categories of performance indicators.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): 233 camps conducted and ~53 K individuals treated over 5 years
Impact Evaluations
G Waldrop et al.
Summary
From 2007 to 2012, the study examined the influence of a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) on the HIV care continuum among people enrolled at a private hospital/ART link facility in Karnataka, India. An electronic database and survival techniques with staggered entries were used to collect data on 2326 individuals in care. ART efficacy was assessed using mixed-effects linear regression models. The average age of individuals in care was 36 years. 40% were male, and the majority were married, had less than a primary education, and had a monthly income of fewer than 3000 rupees.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The median time to ART initiation was shorter for persons becoming eligible after the PPP (1.8 months) than before (4.6 months). Univariable analysis showed that becoming eligible after the PPP was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of ART initiation. Multivariable analysis found that becoming eligible after the PPP remained significantly associated with treatment initiation. Establishing a PPP changed the effect of being on treatment from protective against LTFU (loss to follow-up) to more likely to become LTFU.
Impact Evaluations
Ranson MK
Summary
In this study, the Medical Insurance Fund of the Self-Employed Women's Association in Gujarat was evaluated regarding insurance coverage, protection of claimants from hospitalization costs, duration between discharge and reimbursement, and frequency of usage. 1930 claims were reviewed over six years (1994- 2000). 215 (11%) of 1927 claims were rejected, and 1712 were reimbursed. The rate of catastrophic hospitalizations and hospitalizations ending in impoverishment was more than half, and the average duration between discharge and payment was four months.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: On average, claimants received reimbursement about four months after hospital discharge; the lag time appeared longer for claimants living in rural regions than those living in urban areas. The total frequency of claim submission was 18.0 claims per 1000 members per year, with the frequency of claim submission to the Self-Employed Women's Association ranging from 22% to 37% in rural areas.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The Medical Insurance Fund of the Self-Employed Women's Association effectively encompassed the poor. The claimants' mean household income was much lower than the general population's, and the percentage of households living below the poverty line was comparable for claimants and the general population.
Impact Evaluations
Ranson MK et al.
Summary
In this study, the piloting of a preferred provider system (PPS) for rural members of Vimo SEWA, a fixed-indemnity, community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme run by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), was analyzed. The objectives of the PPS were to facilitate access to hospitalization, shift the burden of compiling a claim away from members, and direct members to inpatient facilities of acceptable quality. The PPS was launched between August and October 2004 in 8 subdistricts covering 15 000 insured. The scheme's impact was analyzed using data from a household survey of claimants and qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: The total number of hospitalization claims submitted varied across 8 subdistricts, with PPS claims accounting for 27.3%. 60.5% received reimbursement before discharge, while 83% received reimbursement after discharge due to delays or problems with the PPS processes.
Impact Evaluations
Karan et al.
Summary
India launched the ‘Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana’ (RSBY) health insurance scheme for the poor population in 2008. Using household-level data from nationally representative surveys of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) and district-level RSBY administrative data on enrolment, this study estimated the causal effects of RSBY on out-of-pocket expenditure and found that RSBY did not affect the likelihood of inpatient out-of-pocket spending.
Outcomes/Observations
Social outcomes: The likelihood of incurring out-of-pocket spending (inpatient and outpatient) rose by 30% due to RSBY and was significant in the study. Although out-of-pocket spending levels did not change, RSBY raised household non-medical spending by 5%.
Impact Evaluations
Gopalan & Varatharajan
Summary
Demand-side financing (DSF) is widely employed to enhance healthcare utilization. However, its effect on financial access to care, out-of-pocket spending (OOPS), and provider motivations still needs to be established. This study explores the above aspects of India’s Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) program in three districts of Orissa. The quantitative method was used to review the Health Management Information System (HMIS). The qualitative methods included focus group discussions with beneficiaries and community intermediaries and interviews with Ministry of Health officials.
HMIS data enabled to review of maternal healthcare utilization. Group discussions and interviews explored the perceived impact of JSY on in-facility delivery, OOPS, healthcare costs, quality of care, and performance motivation of community health workers.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Linking remuneration with the conduct of each activity motivated ASHAs on their designated duties.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: According to 93% of discussant mothers, financial incentives motivated them and their households to opt for institutional deliveries. And also, the JSY incentive covered 25.5% (14.3% in urban areas) of OOPS cost.
Impact Evaluations
Azam M
Summary
The Indian government launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) in 2008 to provide cashless health services to poor households in India. This study evaluates the impact of RSBY on beneficiary households’ utilization of health services, per capita out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure, and per-patient OOP expenditures on significant morbidities. Results show some evidence of the positive impact of RSBY on the utilization of health services in rural India but not in urban India. However, there is no evidence that the RSBY reduced per-person OOP expenditure for RSBY households in rural and urban areas.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The paper found that RSBY reduced per-person household OOP expenditure for RSBY beneficiary households in rural areas but not urban areas. It also reduced the cost of medicines for RSBY beneficiary households by INR 22 in rural areas but not in urban areas. Overall, RSBY has increased the detection and treatment of long-term morbidity for RSBY beneficiary households, but the impact on financial protection is limited.
Impact Evaluations
Mukherjee et al.
Summary
This paper examines how the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) reduces the catastrophic expenditure estimate of household expenditure on maternity. The study used data on 396 mothers collected through a primary survey conducted in the rural areas of the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh state in 2013-2014. The degree and variation in the catastrophic impact of households’ maternity spending were computed as a share of out-of-pocket payments in total household income in relation to specific thresholds across socioeconomic categories. Logistic regression was used to understand the determinants of catastrophic expenditure and whether the JSY has any role in influencing the expenditure pattern.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: JSY beneficiaries spent 8.3% of their annual household consumption expenditure on maternity care, with indirect or non-medical expenditure four times higher than direct expenditure. Out-of-pocket expenditure across income quintiles was regressive, and JSY reimbursement helped only 8% of households escape the catastrophic burdens.
Impact Evaluations
Haddad et al.
Summary
This socially engaged, action-research effort aimed to minimize socioeconomic inequities in rural community access to health care. The specific objectives were designing and implementing a community-based health insurance plan, enhancing local governance in monitoring and evidence-based decision-making, and building an evidence foundation for relevant health treatments. Women's lives are impeded by gender inequities, and particular indigenous communities are marginalized to the point that their health and well-being lag behind those of other social groups.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Poor women who participated in a self-help group (SHG) were less likely to face exclusion from healthcare
Organizational outcomes: The study revealed health disparities among certain groups, such as the Paniyas, that have been masked by Kerala's overall progress. Health vulnerability is rooted in the social structure and has not been reduced by more than 50 years of progressive policies.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: Women office bearers of SNEHA have proven to be capable of decision-making and tackling challenges proactively, developing their negotiating power, and having a profound knowledge of health insurance and inclusion issues.
Impact Evaluations
Gehlawat M et al.
Summary
This study aimed to study the effectiveness of a structured diabetes educational program on improving self-care behavior among type 2 diabetics in urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs) of Puducherry. A community-based open-label parallel-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in two randomly selected urban PHCs of Puducherry during December 2015-February 2017. Sociodemographic, disease characteristics and anthropometric measures were captured at baseline. The intervention consisted of structured diabetes education sessions with the distribution of information leaflets and self-care kits to the intervention-arm participants, while the control arm received standard care. Data were analyzed by intention-to-treat, per-protocol, and difference-in-difference analysis using STATA.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: This research found that foot care, diet compliance, physical activity, medication adherence, blood sugar testing, and smoking behavior all improved in the intervention arm. A structured education program that is culturally tailored showed an overall improvement in self-care behavior.
Impact Evaluations
Balgir RS
Summary
This study aimed to sensitize, motivate, and screen two major vulnerable tribal communities - Bhuyan and Kharia - for hemoglobinopathies and allied hemolytic disorders, as well as prospective and retrospective genetic/marriage counseling. Relevant training was imparted to local paramedical staff, and periodic follow-up was conducted through local PHCs. The population of each tribe was representative, and pre-and post-intervention KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) studies were conducted. Sensitization, motivation, and education for carrier detection were carried out through IEC materials, interactive meetings, and discussions. Standard biochemical and hematological techniques were followed for the analysis of blood samples.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: Awareness among people of hereditary blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia syndrome increased.
Unintended outcomes: There was a positive change in attitude towards any illness in the intervention group.
Impact Evaluations
Jordans M et al.
Summary
This study aims to evaluate a new set of mental health indicators introduced in primary healthcare settings in five LMICs. A survey was conducted among primary healthcare workers to assess the acceptability and feasibility of eight new indicators monitoring mental healthcare needs, utilization, quality, and payments. Primary health facility case records were reviewed by trained research assistants to assess the level of completion for each of the indicators and the level of correctness of completion. Assessments were conducted within 1 month of the introduction of the indicators, as well as 6-9 months afterward.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The new indicators for routine monitoring of mental health services demonstrated good performance and high levels of perceived utility, with health workers' views of the feasibility being generally positive.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: High levels of completion and correctness were achieved for most indicators, especially for diagnosis, severity, and treatment.
Impact Evaluations
Humeniuk R et al.
Summary
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief intervention (BI) for illicit drugs linked to the World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The ASSIST screens for problem or risky use of 10 psychoactive substances, producing a score for each substance that falls into either a low, moderate, or high-risk category. A total of 731 males and females scored within the moderate-risk range of the ASSIST for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, or opioids. Measurements included ASSIST-specific substance involvement scores for cannabis, stimulants, or opioids and ASSIST total illicit substance involvement score at baseline and 3 months post-randomization.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (population level): Country-specific analyses showed that BI participants had significantly lower ASSIST total illicit substance involvement scores at follow-up compared with the control participants. Strong brief intervention effects were seen for cannabis, stimulant, and opioid scores in India and Brazil.
Impact Evaluations
Powell-Jackson et al.
Summary
This study conducted an individually randomized controlled trial of health information messages targeting the mothers of unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children through home visits in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. 722 mothers of children aged 0–36 months who had not received 3 doses of diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus (DPT) vaccine (DPT3) were randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:1:1 to 1 of 3 study arms. The primary outcome was the proportion of children who had received DPT3 measured after 7 months of follow-up. The analysis was by intention to treat.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (population level): The information intervention increased the rate of measles vaccination and full immunization by 22 and 14 percentage points, respectively. It had a significant positive effect on knowledge of tetanus, but no impact on perceptions of vaccine efficacy. The cost per disability-adjusted life year averted was US$186, making the intervention highly cost-effective.
Impact Evaluations
Premnazir et al.
Summary
The study shares experiences about the development and evolution of a ‘geriatric club’ attached to a primary health center in Kerala, India, and the early outcomes noticed among the members of the club. The club has become an ongoing self-sustainable organization helping senior citizens to socialize with their peers. Results of the club were looked at qualitatively and quantitatively through Focus Group Discussions and before and after comparison of Mini-Mental Status Examination Scores and Geriatric Depression Scale scores of elderly club members.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (individual level): Restoring elderly people's self-confidence, self-respect, and ability to make social contacts can give them a sense of belonging to the community.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (population level): FGDs concluded that members benefitted through participation in the club and the club activities helped them to get engaged physically, mentally, and socially. The mean GDS scores of the participants decreased from baseline to after six months, while Mean MMSE scores showed improvement from baseline to after six months.
Social outcomes: Group solidarity resulted in members offering sympathy to each other during distress.
Impact Evaluations
Kermode et al.
Summary
This study aimed to describe concepts of mental health and beliefs among women involved with a PHC project in rural Maharashtra, India, identify perceived mental health problems, and investigate the impact of the PHC program on individual and community factors associated with mental health. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 women associated with the PHC project regarding their concepts of mental health and its determinants, suicide, depression, and violence, and the perceived impact of the PHC project.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (population level): Intervention offered increased freedom of movement and participation in decision-making, which had a direct and desirable impact on mental health. This was beneficial for women's sense of competence and control.
Social outcomes: Promoted Social tolerance, as a product of the breakdown of caste barriers leading to mental well being
Impact Evaluations
Kumar et al.
Summary
In this study, an intervention of behavior change management, with a focus on the prevention of hypothermia, aimed at modifying practices and reducing neonatal mortality. The authors conducted a cluster-randomized controlled efficacy trial in Shivgarh, a rural area in Uttar Pradesh. 39 village administrative units (population 104 123) were allocated to one of three groups: a control group, an intervention group, or an intervention group plus the use of a liquid crystal hypothermia indicator (ThermoSpot). Community health workers delivered the packages via collective meetings and two antenatal and two postnatal household visitations.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (population level): Targeted newborn-care practices, such as cutting the umbilical cord with a clean blade and avoiding potentially harmful substances, significantly reduced the neonatal mortality rate.
Unintended outcomes : An improvement was observed in antenatal care coverage through formal health sector providers in the essential newborn care arm versus the control arm.
Impact Evaluations
K. Mehta et al.
Summary
The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in Gujarat, India implemented an innovative intervention called ‘M-TRACK’ in 2016 to reduce pre-treatment loss to follow-up (LFU) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Vadodara district. An explanatory mixed-methods study design was used to assess the effectiveness of M-TRACK in reducing pre-treatment LFU and explore the implementation enablers and challenges from healthcare providers’ and PLHIV perspectives. Data were collected from October 2016 to February 2017.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial Outcomes: M-TRACK was highly effective in reducing pre-treatment LFU by 80%, adjusting for socio-demographic factors, time, period, and clustering at the district level. Education level was also associated with LFU, with those who completed secondary education having a 60% lower risk.
Impact Evaluations
Bang et al.
Summary
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of home-based neonatal care (HBNC) on neonatal and infant mortality during 10 years (1993-2003) in Gadchiroli, India. It measured the stillbirth rate, the neonatal mortality rate (NMR), the perinatal mortality rate (PMR), the postneonatal mortality rate (PNMR), and the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the intervention and control areas. The effect of HBNC on all these rates was estimated by comparing the change from baseline (1993 to 1995) to the last 2 years of intervention (2001 to 2003).
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: There was a significant decline in all the measured rates attributed to sepsis, asphyxia, and low birth weight management in HBNC.
Impact Evaluations
Kalra et al.
Summary
A study was conducted to collect data on performance measures for 68 196 patients from 10 Indian cardiology outpatient departments from January 2011 to February 2014 in the PINNACLE (Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence) India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP). The authors estimated the prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors and CVD among outpatients and examined adherence to performance measures established by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American Medical Association Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: The study examined the clinical profiles of 68,196 CVD outpatients and 155,953 patient encounters from 10 cardiology OPDs in India. It found that studying the outpatient quality of cardiovascular care is feasible in India, but has its own set of problems such as a lack of electronic medical records, unique identification of patients, and hand-written prescriptions making data extraction difficult.
Impact Evaluations
Gaitonde et al.
Summary
The Community Action for Health (CAH) project was introduced as part of India's National Rural Health Mission to strengthen community-based accountability. This study traced the implementation process of the project from its piloting, implementation, and abrupt termination in Tamil Nadu. It framed CAH as an innovation introduced into the health system and used qualitative approaches to study the implementation. Interviews were conducted among Government officials and civil society leaders who were directly involved in the implementation, focusing on the policy-making organizational level.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: Dissonances and disconnects at the state level among individuals with the key responsibility of implementation were found, resulting in a lack of spaces and processes for "sense-making" in a hierarchically functioning system. These constructs contributed to the initial uptake and subsequent abrupt termination of the project.
Impact Evaluations
Basu et al.
Summary
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and acceptability of Visual Inspection after Acetic Acid Application (VIA) done by health workers among rural Indian women. A structured questionnaire was designed to interview the women after screening. 498 women were selected randomly from the screened women for interview by a social worker. They were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with the service and their opinions to improve the quality of service.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and well-being outcomes: During the study period, 2184 women were screened, of whom 502 were randomly selected for interview. VIA was positive in 247 (11.3%) and all agreed to have colposcopy in the same sitting. Post-screening discharge and/or bleeding was the most common reason for not being satisfied with the test. 97% agreed it was beneficial and would recommend it to other women.
Impact Evaluations
Goel et al.
Summary
The study aimed to assess the economic gains that can be made by designing and operating an indigenously fabricated portable dental unit in rural areas. The study team looked at the use of a dental chair and ancillary equipment manufactured in India, which is a fraction of the cost of imported equipment. Using the above-mentioned equipment, they used retrospective data from dental camps conducted in Jaipur between 2005 to 2012. Cost efficiency was determined by comparing total revenue over seven years (2005 to 2012). The operational efficiency of portable dental units was also compared with dental vans on various categories of performance indicators.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): 233 camps conducted and ~53 K individuals treated over 5 years
Impact Evaluations
Sharma et al.
Summary
A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the effectiveness of a hypothermia monitoring device in reducing neonatal mortality and increasing Kangaroo Mother Care compliance. 386 neonates were included in the study, with 250 (64.76%) in the study group and 136 (35.23%) in the control group. The BEMPU Bracelet is a medical device that provides 4 weeks of continuous hypothermia monitoring for newborns, and emits an audio-visual alarm when the temperature is below 36.5°C. The results showed that neonatal mortality decreased over the 4-week period.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): The study group had lower infant mortality than the control group, but no model was run to control for baseline characteristics or differences in infants. The observed effect on mortality and qualitative feedback on KMC compliance suggest the utility of the device in community settings.
Impact Evaluations
Soni et al.
Summary
This study aims to screen people for atrial fibrillation in rural western India using a US Food and Drug Administration-approved single-lead electrocardiography device, Alivecor. Residents from 6 villages in Anand District, Gujarat, India, comprised the base population. After obtaining informed consent, a team of trained research coordinators and community health workers enrolled 354 participants aged 50 years and older and screened them at their residences using Alivecor for 2 minutes on 5 consecutive days over a period of 6 weeks beginning June 2015.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The study found a 5.1% prevalence of atrial fibrillation in this Indian region, which is higher than previously reported and similar to the prevalence estimates reported in studies of North America and Europe.
Impact Evaluations
Raizada et al.
Summary
This study presents results from a large demonstration study across India where Xpert MTB/RIF testing was offered to all presumptive PTB cases in public health facilities. The study covered a population of 8.8 million across 18 sub-district level tuberculosis units, with one Xpert MTB/RIF platform established at each Tuberculosis Units. All HIV-infected patients suspected of TB were prospectively enrolled and provided upfront Xpert MTB/RIF testing.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The median turnaround time for treatment initiation from the date of diagnosis was 4 days, with 74% of TB patients being initiated on first-line treatment within 7 days and 73% of rifampicin-resistant TB cases by 3rd week. The detection rates were similar in both smear positive and negative TB cases, demonstrating the limitations of using smear microscopy for TB diagnosis in PLHIV.
Impact Evaluations
Mustaphi & Dobe
Summary
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme in West Bengal has 355 operational projects covering 53,064 Anganwadi centers, reaching over four million beneficiaries. The "Keno Parbo Na" project, based on the Positive Deviance (PD) approach, aims to reduce and prevent malnutrition among children under 3 years of age by focusing on local solutions and resources, local behaviors, and practices. The pilot phase of the project has been completed in two districts. The project implemented an integrated strategy consisting of Convergence & Partnership, Community participation and mobilization involving self-help groups, building capacity of childcare functionaries and community, Community-based management of malnutrition through Nutrition Counseling and Childcare Sessions (NCCS), emphasizing improving practices of infant feeding
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): This study contributed to the steady reduction in malnutrition across four districts, with a general preponderance of girl children at the entry stage. Improvement in caring practices at the household level is also evident.
Social outcomes: The community is open to the Positive Deviance approach, with mothers providing food and fuel for the NCCS session and disseminating Health and Nutrition messages.
Impact Evaluations
Gopaldas & Gujral
Summary
This project was designed to empower management and plantation workers to improve their own nutritional health status and productivity. A nine-month iron, vitamin A, and iodized salt intervention was performed on the Balanoor Plantations in India. 99% of the women tea pickers received the supplements and bought the iodized salt from the plantation ration shop. Their mean hemoglobin level rose significantly from 11.0 to 11.9 g/dl. The women pickers gave the supplements to their families as well as themselves.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): There were improvements in the health of women tea pickers and the entire plantation population. Specifically, the hemoglobin levels of the women tea pickers and the mean hemoglobin level of all women increased significantly. In addition, the prevalence of clinical signs of vitamin A and iodine deficiencies decreased significantly, as did the incidence of common health problems in the population.
Impact Evaluations
A. Pillarisetti et al.
Summary
This study examines the technological and sociological design of the Pink Key, a low-cost meal-counting stove use monitor that permits conditional cash transfers (CCTs) depending on LPG consumption. The system comprises of an easily detachable datalogger and a sensor harness coupled to a two-burner LPG stove. Households receive 2 rupees for each LPG cooking session, which is less than the cost of fuel but still sufficient to cover some of the cost of LPG refills. The system adds a new strategy to promote the adoption of clean cooking technology and is in line with existing Indian programs to enhance health among pregnant, vulnerable women.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/ Managerial Outcomes: CCTs are proven to encourage sustained behavior change but require careful thought and reframing to ensure they are properly conditioned and targeted.
Impact Evaluations
Raizada et al.
Summary
Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is complex due to specimen collection difficulties and a scarcity of high-sensitivity, rapid diagnostic techniques. In order to address this, an initiative was launched in four significant Indian cities to provide pediatric TB patients with free Xpert testing. In each location, a high throughput lab was set up and connected to various healthcare organizations. All pediatric (0–14 years old) suspected TB cases seeking care at public and private health facilities were eligible for free Xpert testing.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: This study aimed to improve the detection and diagnosis of TB in children and increase access to diagnostic testing in both public and private sector facilities.
Health and wellbeing Outcomes: Treatment was initiated for 2995 cases, 1016 of which were successfully treated. 190 deaths were observed, 78 before and 112 after treatment, with the cause of death ascertained.
Impact Evaluations
Awasthi et al.
Summary
In north India, Vit-A deficiency (retinol <0·70 μmol/L) is common in pre-school children and 2–3% die at ages 1–6 years. The study assessed whether periodic vitamin A supplementation could reduce vitamin A deficiency. The prespecified primary analysis was of pre-school child mortality, operationalized because of digit preference in stating ages to mortality at reported ages 1–6 years during the 5-year study period. Annually, one center per block was randomly selected and visited by a study team 1–5 months after any trial of vitamin A to sample blood, examine eyes and interview caregivers.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Independently, inquiries a week after mass-treatment days confirmed supplementation of 96% of those registered with the AWC and 72% of those not, largely independent of age.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Overall child mortality was 4% lower in vitamin A than in control blocks.
Impact Evaluations
Ganguly et al.
Summary
The objective of the study was to test whether full immunization coverage of at least 85% could be achieved in interior villages, by upscaling the Rural Effective Affordable Comprehensive Health Care (REACH) strategy and utilizing only government functionaries, supplemented by minimal data management staff. The REACH strategy was first developed and successfully implemented in a demonstration project by SHARE INDIA in the Medchal region of Andhra Pradesh, and was then replicated in the Rajgarh block of Rajasthan in cooperation with Bhoruka Charitable Trust.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level):About 14 months after the initiation of the REACH strategy, full immunization coverage increased dramatically to 88.7% from 64.7%, partial immunization declined to 10.3% from 32.4%, and only 1.0% did not receive any immunization.
Impact Evaluations
Freudberg et al.
Summary
The evaluation study assessed the impact of a project that explores changes in community-level determinants of intimate partner violence and reducing other effects of these social determinants, such as early marriage, early maternal age of first birth and low rates of education among girls. Study conducted seven focus group discussions with participants in the programme and six in-depth interviews with intervention group leaders along with 137 pre- and 70 post-intervention surveys to assess participant and community knowledge, attitudes and behaviours surrounding gender, violence and sexuality.
Outcomes/Observations
Social outcomes: The intervention showed encouraging outcomes in individual and community-level changes in knowledge and attitudes related to gender, sexuality and violence. Evaluation results reflect both some large-scale community effects as well as several examples of individual behaviour change & to date there have been no child marriages since the community campaign was initiated.
Impact Evaluations
Ghosh et al.
Summary
Kalajatha, a popular, traditional art form of folk theater depicting various life processes of a local socio-cultural setting was used as an operational feasibility health education programme was carried out for malaria control. The Kalajatha events were performed in the evening hours for two weeks in a malaria-affected district in Karnataka. The study assessed the impact of this programme after two months on exposed vs. non-exposed respondents.
Outcomes/Observations
Social outcomes: The exposed respondents had significant increase in knowledge and change in attitude about malaria and its control strategies. They could easily associate clean water with anopheline breeding and the role of larvivorous fish in malaria control. In 2002, the local community actively co-operated and participated in releasing larvivorous fish, which subsequently resulted in a noteworthy reduction of malaria cases.
Impact Evaluations
Kamble et al.
Summary
The study aimed to develop a VHNSC Maturity Index (VMI) and pilot it to assess the institutional maturity of the village health nutrition and sanitation committee (VHNSC). It was conducted in 83 villages under four Primary Health Centres (PHCs) of the Wardha Community Development block. The VMI was developed through discussion sessions with VHNSC members and staff, observations of VHND, and monthly meetings. It was finalized after piloting it in all four PHC areas.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: All VHNSCs supervised the implementation of AWW and ASHA, and the majority of VHNSCs monitored the implementation of national health programs.
Organizational outcomes: The study found that 83 VHNSCs had developed an annual village health plan, held four meetings in the past 6 months, and helped organize village health and nutrition day. These outcomes led to a more appropriate use of RKS funds based on the community's priorities.
Social outcomes: They also monitored and facilitated access to essential public services such as ration from the public distribution system, safe drinking water, mid-day meal, and monitoring of malnourished children.
Impact Evaluations
Gera et al.
Summary
This study presents a health systems approach to identify and address systemic bottlenecks present across six different states in India with regard to vaccination at birth. The implementation exercise uses a before- and after-study design and tracks the progress of vaccination coverage in 141 intervention facilities. Based on the results of the pre-intervention survey a multi-prongs health system intervention was implemented including the following components- 1. Nurturing stewardship 2. Staff sensitization 3. Supportive supervision and hand-holding 4. Data analysis and feedback
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Coverage for all 3 vaccines increased from an average of 55% pre-intervention to 88% post-intervention
Impact Evaluations
Rao et al.
Summary
This study examines if a long-term mentoring programme improved the ability of auxiliary nurse-midwives (ANMs) to provide quality care during childbirth in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). A quasi-experimental post-test with matched comparison group was conducted at 239 primary health centres in Bihar, India, with 335 ANMs (237 mentored and 98 comparison) and 42 staff nurses (228 mentored and 14 comparison). Mentoring for a duration of 6-9 months focused on nurses at PHCs to improve the quality of basic emergency obstetric and newborn care.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Mentored ANMs and staff nurses performed more accurate actions for case identification, history and examinations, and case management than the comparison group, suggesting firm adherence to the AMANAT program.
Impact Evaluations
Raney et al.
Summary
This study examined the impact of simulation-based training on the use of evidence-based practices for preeclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) diagnosis and management in low-resource settings. It was based on a statewide, high-fidelity in-situ simulation training program developed by PRONTO International and implemented in collaboration with CARE India in Bihar, India. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate changes over time in nurse mentees’ use of evidence-based practices during simulated births. Twelve semi-structured interviews with nurse mentors explored barriers and enablers to high-quality PE/E care in Bihar.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Simulation training was an important enabler of high-quality care, but mentees struggled to understand diagnostic criteria and were more likely to treat preeclampsia with severe features with magnesium sulfate. Human resource shortages and poor relationships between nurses and patients were key barriers.
Impact Evaluations
Bradley et al.
Summary
This paper summarizes a study of the effect of clinical mentoring with case sheets or checklists on staff knowledge and skills in a randomized trial of 295 nurses working in 108 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Karnataka, India. Half of the PHCs were assigned to be intervention sites and provided with regular mentoring visits with case sheets/checklists as a central job and teaching aid, and half were assigned to be control sites. Knowledge and skills around normal labour, labour complications, and neonate issues were tested before and again one year later. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the effect of mentoring and case sheets.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: In 2012, four-fifths of nurses had SBA training, but their knowledge was poor. One year later, staff knowledge had increased significantly in both types of sites, but was more noticeable in mentoring intervention sites. In 2013, there were significant differences between those who had received SBA training and those who had not, with staff in smaller sites scoring better than staff in busier PHCs. Overall, case sheet use without mentoring did not add anything to SBA training.
Impact Evaluations
Ghosh et al.
Summary
This study aimed to unlock mothers' voices on the determinants of their children's health to inform local-level decision-making on child health issues in the Indian Sundarbans. It involved eight groups of eight to ten mothers with at least one child below 6 years of age across four villages, receiving training on photo documentation and ethical concerns before taking two rounds of photographs within 6 months. Photographs and key messages were communicated to local decision-makers during block and village-level interface sessions with the mothers and researchers.
Outcomes/Observations
Social Outcomes: To help inform community health policy and planning, Photovoice assisted vulnerable groups in communicating their healthcare needs and maintaining a dialogue with local decision-makers.
Impact Evaluations
Singh et al.
Summary
The study compared the acceptance of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening by the proximity of care and health education in rural Maharashtra. The study was done in four blocks (two at CHC level and two at PHC level) over 3 months. Health education consisted of imparting knowledge on diabetes mellitus and DR by trained village-level workers. The screening was done using non-mydriatic fundus camera and teleophthalmology supported remote grading of DR.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level) : ASHAs' involvement in providing health education to people with diabetes increased DR screening uptake, with the highest uptake in PHC level screening with health education and provision of transport to PHCs from villages. A third of those screened had some degree of visual impairment, with no difference in visual status between those who did or did not receive health education.
Impact Evaluations
Vir C S
Summary
The use of community-based volunteers, frequently reaching and counseling a selected group of prioritized families, can make a substantial difference in improving maternal and child care practices and in reducing child undernutrition. Program Rural Uttar Pradesh, India. A comparison of baseline and endline surveys following 4 years of community-based project intervention
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Counseling of "at risk" families and easy access to ORS packets increased awareness regarding use of ORS packets, but 58.7% mothers reported incorrect practice of reducing quantity of feed and breastfeeding during diarrhea.
Impact Evaluations
Aggithaya et al.
Summary
The study assessed the impact of community-based self-care integrative treatment through mass camps in villages of three districts of Kerala, India endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF). The investigating team was led by an Ayurveda doctor, and an allopathy nurse, supported by social workers, yoga therapists, and healthcare assistants. They conducted fourteen one-day LF camps in six PHCs. The total number of patients residing within the geographical area of PHC was divided into groups based on their locality.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level)Each patient’s QoL in mobility, self-care, usual activity, pain and discomfort, and social relationship significantly improved (P value <0.01)
Social outcomes: Re-integration of lymphatic filariasis (LF) patients into society.
Impact Evaluations
Alehagen S et al.
Summary
The study aimed to describe how families participate in nurse-based antenatal and child health care and to study the effect of this in relation to referrals to specialist care, institutional deliveries, and mortality. The intervention took place in a remote rural area in India and was influenced by Swedish nurse-based health care. A baseline survey was performed before the intervention commenced. The intervention included an education program for staff members with a model called Training of Trainers and the establishment of clinics as both primary health centers and mobile clinics.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): There was a considerable increase in CHC attendance with higher attendance figures in the younger than the older group (newborn–2 years and older 3–5 years).
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): There was a pronounced reduction in mortality from the baseline survey of 80 per 1000 live births to 56 in 2006 and 44 in 2007, and these were statistically significant.
Impact Evaluations
Kumar et al.
Summary
The conventional 8-day Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) training due to its many problems was enhanced to a 5-day training package. The module was re-scheduled covering primary course content in the first 3 days and shifting many role plays to the second part of the 5-day training. Similar time was spent on module reading, video demonstration, exercises, and role plays in both training. This study was carried out in Panchkula, Haryana, and compared the learning outcomes and expenditure of both the training.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The average skills score for respiratory problems increased from 38 to 57 in 8-day training; and from 41 to 91 in 5-day training. Average counselling skill score also rose from 42 to 89 in 8-day and from 37 to 70 in the 5-day training
Organizational outcomes: The 5-day IMNCI training package is equally effective, less costly, and less time-consuming.
Impact Evaluations
Kaur et al.
Summary
The paper studied the effectiveness of introducing teachers as the first-level vision screeners for school eye screening programs. The principal of each school was requested to nominate 1 or 2 teachers, depending upon the total number of students in that school They were provided with necessary theory, lectures, training, kits containing a vision screening chart, 6m measuring tape, and forms. The parents of the children with low vision were intimated about the date of the visit to the doctor.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: In the first phase of the intervention, 253 trained teachers could screen 30205 children providing coverage of 99.7%.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): In the first phase of the project, 47.25% of children were identified as true positives, and 52.75% were identified as false positives.
Impact Evaluations
Patel et al.
Summary
The paper assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Healthy Activity Program (HAP), a brief psychological treatment for delivery by lay counsellors to patients with moderately severe to severe depression in 10 primary healthcare centers in Goa. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants randomly allocated (1:1) to enhanced usual care (EUC) alone or EUC combined with HAP in randomly sized blocks, stratified by the primary health center and sex, and allocation was concealed with the use of sequential numbered opaque envelopes.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Participants in the EUC plus HAP group had significantly lower symptom severity and higher remission than those in the EUC alone group. EUC plus HAP showed better results than did EUC alone for the secondary outcomes of disability, The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained was $9333, with an 87% chance of being cost-effective in the study setting.
Impact Evaluations
Ajay et al.
Summary
The mPower Heart Project aimed to develop and test a feasible and scalable intervention for hypertension and diabetes mellitus by task-sharing with the use of a mobile phone-based clinical decision support system at Community Health Centers in Himachal Pradesh, India. The intervention was evaluated using pre–post evaluation design and the change in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) over 18 months was quantified using generalized estimating equations models. 6797 participants were enrolled during the intervention.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: A trained NCC was deployed to address the personnel shortage at the hospitals' clinics, with high levels of acceptance from Medical Officers and patients.
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Population level): Intervention resulted in a major reduction in blood pressure (SBP) and diabetes mellitus during the initial 3 months of enrollment, which was sustained at 18 months.. The reduction was impressive and substantial in comparison to baseline levels even after adjusting for age, sex, and CHC.
Impact Evaluations
Vir S.C et al.
Summary
The Nutrition Security Innovation (NSI) project was launched in selected blocks in the state of Chhattisgarh with additional inputs for promoting appropriate complementary feeding practices and disseminating information on Public Distribution System (PDS) entitlement. Within 3 years of project implementation, all NSI inputs in the project group (PG) were scaled up in the entire state. The study mapped the impact of interventions on nutritional status in PG and non-NSI comparison group (CG) blocks.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): More mothers in the project group than in the non-NSI comparison group (GC) mashed the child’s food, encouraged the child to eat frequently, and spent 30 to 45 minutes in feeding the child. The percentage of mothers who washed their hands before feeding was high in both groups and was higher in the CG.
Impact Evaluations
Amarchand et al.
Summary
This study assessed the feasibility of integration of NCD prevention and control within the primary health-care system of India. 28 multipurpose health workers of 12 sub centers, 2 primary health centers (PHCs) and one sub district hospital underwent 3-day training for delivering the package of NCD interventions. A time-motion study was conducted to assess the workload on a sample of the workers with and without the NCD work. Risk assessment was done at domiciliary and health-facility level, and the cost was estimated based on standard costing procedures. Individuals who screened positive were investigated with electrocardiography and fasting blood sugar.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: All 28 health workers recognized the need to address NCDs and rated the training they received as appropriate and informative.
Organizational Outcomes: NPCDCS advocates opportunistic screening at health facilities and a camp approach for risk screening at the population level. A qualitative study found opportunistic screening was more cost-effective than domiciliary screening, with a case-detection rate of 60.0 per 1000.
Health and wellbeing Outcomes (Individual level): Poor compliance with a referral at the domiciliary level is due to poor perception of risk and the inconvenience of complying with the referral. Accredited social health activists can help overcome this problem.
Impact Evaluations
Ilozumba et al.
Summary
The study assessed the impact of mHealth intervention - Mobile for Mothers (MfM) on maternal health that was implemented in Jharkhand, India in 2011 to support home visits by community health workers. 2200 Women between 18 and 45 years who had delivered a baby in the past 1 year were enrolled in the study.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Women in the MfM group had higher maternal health knowledge and were more likely to attend four or more ANC visits and deliver at the health facility when compared with the NGO and standard care group.
Impact Evaluations
Joshi et al.
Summary
The study assessed the impact of Community Health Workers (CHWs) based interventions in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVDs) risk factors in rural households in India. An open-label cluster-randomized trial was conducted in 28 villages in 3 states of India whereby in the intervention group trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) visited a total of 4780 households from 3 rural regions in India once every 2 months for a period of 12 months to measure the blood pressure levels and perform adherence to prescribed therapies.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The study achieves a 13% absolute improvement in adherence to prescribed medicine, which is expected to translate into a 0.5 mm Hg greater reduction in Systolic blood pressure in the entire population, as opposed to a 3 mm Hg reduction. Thus, it was concluded that additional measures are required.
Social Outcomes: Success was found in the promotion of adherence to the prescribed therapies and reducing the use of smokeless tobacco in predominantly elderly, low-education, and low-income settings.
Impact Evaluations
Prasad et al.
Summary
Rural healthcare providers (RHCPs) play a crucial role in rural areas of India. In Hazaribagh, 75 RHCPs were trained and involved in identifying presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients and referring them for diagnosis. After diagnosis, patients were initiated on DOTS by RHCPs or community health workers (CHWs). This study compared the treatment outcomes of TB patients who received DOTS from RHCPs versus CHWs. It was found that RHCPs were able to achieve similar TB treatment success rates as CHWs. This research provides valuable insights into the community's preference for RHCPs as providers of DOTS and their ability to achieve comparable treatment outcomes to CHWs.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: 72 TB patients were initiated on TB treatment, with 40 receiving DOT from RHCP and 32 receiving from CHWs. Of the 40 who received DOT from RHCP, 35 (87.5%) had successful treatment outcomes. However, there was no significant difference in the proportion with successful treatment outcomes between study groups.
Impact Evaluations
Lindley et al.
Summary
In this study, the Family-led Rehabilitation after Stroke in India (ATTEND) trial was a prospectively randomized open trial with blinded endpoints conducted across 14 hospitals in India. The primary outcome was death or dependency, defined by scores 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin scale. Secondary outcomes included any serious adverse event, hospital length of stay, activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression, and caregiver strain. All analyses were intention to treat.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): The addition of family-led rehabilitation training to usual stroke unit care did not reduce death or dependency at 6 months or 3 months.
Impact Evaluations
Imtiaz et al.
Summary
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and cost advantages of using an Android-based tablet application called 'Sankara Electronic Remote Vision Information System (SERVIS)' to collect eye health information from remote rural villages in India. Data was collected using both the SERVIS application and a manual method. The study aimed to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of implementing the SERVIS application as a tool for collecting eye health data in rural areas.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: SERVIS is an effective and efficient tool for screening individuals for potential blinding eye conditions and their treatment, resulting in timely detection and prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. It also provides storage and access of eye health epidemiological quality data.
Impact Evaluations
Gope et al.
Summary
The study evaluated the effect of Action Against Malnutrition (AAM) strategies on child wasting, underweight, stunting, infant and young child feeding, illness and care during illness, as well as infection control practices. AAM is a civil society-led, community-based initiative to supplement the efforts of frontline health and nutrition workers to reduce undernutrition among children under 3 years through two community strategies of monthly Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) meetings with women’s groups followed by counselling through home visits and crèches for children aged 6 months to 3 years combined with PLA meetings and home visits.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): The study found reductions in the prevalence of wasting, being underweight and stunting among children under three in areas with crèches, PLA meetings, and home visits. It was also found that there were reductions in the prevalence of wasting and underweight in areas with PLA meetings and home visits. Effects in both areas were greatest among marginalized children.
Impact Evaluations
Hariprasad et al.
Summary
The study evaluated the knowledge scores of Health care providers (HCPs) before and after training in cancer screening and to determine the impact of the ECHO model on knowledge retention after 6 months of training. An in-person, 3-day training program was conducted for 27 HCPs in the tribal primary health care center of Gumballi in Karnataka, India, by a trained gynecologist in the vernacular language to teach the basics of cancer screening in oral, breast, and cervical cancer.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: After the 3-day training program, and 6 months after the ECHO intervention, the HCPs showed progressive acquisition and retention of knowledge. A marked improvement in knowledge level score from an average of 6.3 to 13.7 on a 15-point scale was noticed after the initial in-person training. The average knowledge further increased to a score of 14.4 after 6 months.
Impact Evaluations
Joshi et al.
Summary
This study was conducted in the context of a composite training initiative involving nurses and doctors. The aim was to compare the performance of nurses with doctors to determine which skills need to be emphasized in future educational programmes. A total of 387 participants from one state in India were followed up to assess long-term retention of knowledge in various NCD training domains.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes:The study found that nurses and doctors experienced a similar gain in knowledge after the training programme, with follow-up evaluations showing that nurses had fared poorly in comparison to doctors. It was concluded that similar time periods of training processes are needed for both doctors and nurses to effectively tackle NCDs.
Impact Evaluations
Goyal et al.
Summary
The study compared the effect of an oral health care package (OHCP) with usual care on the change in dental disease status among 1 to 3-year-old children at Anganwadi centres (AWC) in periurban areas of Chandigarh and rural areas of Cuttack, Orissa over a follow-up period of three years. The intervention was delivered as part of the government's Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), in order to prevent instances of Early Childhood Caries (ECCs) at the community level
Outcomes/Observations
None
Impact Evaluations
Prabhakaran et al.
Summary
The study evaluated the effectiveness of mWellcare, an mHealth system consisting of electronic health record storage and electronic decision support (EDS) for the integrated management of 5 chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current tobacco and alcohol use, and depression) versus enhanced usual care (EUC) among patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus in India. Community health centers (CHCs) were randomly grouped either to receive the mHealth-based electronic decision support (EDS) or enhanced usual care (EUC).
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Compared with the EUC arm, patients in the mWellcare reported greater adherence to antihypertensive (57.9% versus 81.1%) and antihyperglycemic (68.9 versus 82.4%) medications.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): We observed a significant decline in systolic blood pressure from baseline to study end in each arm, Similarly, a significant decline in HbA1c at 1 year was observed in both arms.
Impact Evaluations
Wagner et al.
Summary
This study investigates the reactions of pregnant women and young children when community health workers (CHWs) inform them of high-risk pregnancy-related complications or developmental delays. The study was conducted in West Bengal, India, and involved screening pregnant mothers and children aged 12-24 months. The participants were re-contacted to discuss the impact of CHW visits on their household's health behavior and seek additional care. The responses were based on demographic and medical characteristics.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Pregnant women reported seeking additional care after a child health worker (CHW) visit, and all reported significant improvement in their health behaviors. Most are delivered at a government or private institution, with 10% delivering at home. Women with more children were more likely to deliver at home, and illiterate mothers were more likely to deliver at home. Mothers who delivered at home or had not visited child specialists reported higher improvement rates than average (76% and 77%, respectively).
Impact Evaluations
Vousden et al.
Summary
The study aimed to reduce maternal mortality by implementing a vital signs triage intervention in routine maternity care in eight low- and middle-income countries. The intervention aimed to reduce morbidity and mortality composite outcomes. A pragmatic, hybrid effectiveness-implementation stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness. The mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted to describe implementation and local context, and integrate results to determine if differences in the intervention's effect across sites could be explained. Measures were recorded at 3 months and 6-9 months after implementation, and measures were ranked and averaged across domains to create a composite implementation strength score and correlated with the primary outcome.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Qualitative findings demonstrated that most site participants felt the training was adequate. Champions felt confident using the materials to orientate their colleagues. Recipients of training from champions were confident to use the CRADLE Vital Sign Alert and orient others.
Organizational outcomes: Overall, 3868 devices were delivered across 286 facilities. Four clusters recorded the proportion of women with BP measurement. All demonstrated a significant increase in measurements made after the intervention. After the intervention, 100% had access, with better availability per Healthcare Provider in all clusters.
Impact Evaluations
Angrish et al.
Summary
Virtual clinics are revolutionizing healthcare in rural India by utilizing a social business model to connect local practitioners and health workers with qualified allopathic doctors in cities. This cross-sectional study evaluated the feasibility and acceptance of virtual primary care, using a convenient sampling method. The virtual clinic consists of smartphones, monitors, and assistive devices, allowing patients to interact with doctors through video-conferencing and receive authenticated prescriptions with standardized protocols. The private organization initiated the program with two centers in Uttar Pradesh and gradually expanded to 20 centers. Consultations charges were kept low to no-profit, no-loss.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: All the dispatched prescriptions revealed diagnosis, offered treatment, and referred advanced or complex cases, highlighting the feasibility of Virtual Primary Care in rural India. This study showed that this virtual clinic is a feasible model for low-resource settings and improves coverage of primary care services at little to no cost.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Total number of consultations made was 800. Out of 800 patients, 157 belonged to the age group of ≥60. The participants (n = 157) willingly participated and completed the entire consultation sessions, illustrating the acceptability of the E-Mitra clinic system.
Impact Evaluations
Arun et al.
Summary
The study aimed to assess the impact of pharmaceutical care on clinical outcomes in patients enrolled in a pharmacist-coordinated diabetes management program in rural health settings. Patients were randomly assigned to 'control' and 'intervention' groups, and medical records were reviewed. Pharmacists provided counseling and assessed their health-related quality of life using the Ferrans and Powers questionnaire. Results were compared using SPSS version 0.9 software and MS Excel worksheets.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): The intervention group experienced a 45% increase in overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) score compared to the control group, with positive changes in health/function, socioeconomic, psychological/spiritual, and family domains. The intervention group showed a reduction in mean capillary blood glucose levels and increased overall HRQoL scores.
Impact Evaluations
Vinayagamoorthy et al.
Summary
The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a remote sensing model as a free messaging application for oral potentially malignant disorders screening in rural India. The study involved 131 participants, aged 37.34 (11.31) years, with 64.1% men and 35.9% women. The intervention involved clinical oral examination and photo capture of five areas of the patients' mouth. The main outcome measures were reliability measures for using a photo messaging service in diagnosing oral potentially malignant disorders compared to clinical examination.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The reliability of diagnosing oral potentially malignant disorders using photo messaging and clinical oral examination was found to be 0.68 and 0.67 for Examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity values were 98.5% and 99.04%, respectively. However, the exact diagnostic match was slightly reduced. This suggests that photo messaging can be an effective adjunct and cost-effective tool in low-resource settings.
Impact Evaluations
Rane et al.
Summary
Assam has implemented an innovative home-based newborn care (HBNC) voucher system to enhance home visits by certified social health activists (ASHAs), increase their accountability, and engage the neighbourhood. The objective of this study was to assess the success of the HBNC voucher programme in Assam. In 2018, a research using a mixed technique was carried out in 4 Assamese districts. A sample of 836 lactating women were interviewed through house-to-house visits as part of a quantitative study. By conducting in-depth interviews with a range of healthcare service providers, a qualitative study was conducted.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: 87% of the supervisors validated the HNBC visits done by ASHA workers.
Organizational outcomes: Out of the 836 women who were interviewed for assessment, only 65% of the mothers were reported to have received vouchers. A register for HNBC vouchers was maintained in 76% of the cases. All in all, the payment system had improved.
Impact Evaluations
Iyengar & Iyengar
Summary
This paper examines the work of nurse-midwives in two health centres in southern Rajasthan, India, providing skilled maternal and newborn care. The nurse-midwives detect and manage complications, and refer women to hospitals for emergency care. Between 2000-2008, 2,771 women in labour and 202 with maternal emergencies were attended by nurse-midwives. Compliance with referrals was higher for maternal conditions than fetal conditions. The referral system included counseling, transport, accompanying, admission, and support inpatient care, leading to higher referral compliance rates.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Of the 2,771 women who were attended by nurse-midwives during labour, there were no maternal deaths, whether or not they were referred.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Population level): Drastic reduction in maternal mortality - only one maternal death in nine years.
Impact Evaluations
Dyer et al.
Summary
This article aims to examine the improvement in technical and non-technical skills of auxiliary/general nurse midwives working at Primary Health Care (PHCs) in Bihar. Pairs of nurse mentors visited four PHCs and facilitated simulations concerning normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries and common preventable causes of morbidity and mortality including postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal resuscitation for birth asphyxia.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Video monitoring systems can play several vital roles within program implementation. The average inter-relatability scores for clinical technical and non-technical skills of the concerned health care providers were found to be 94% and 80% respectively.
Organizational outcomes: It was found that video monitoring systems can be effectively implemented in a limited resource setting
Impact Evaluations
Gamage et al.
Summary
This was a cluster randomized controlled trial in which Behavioral Intervention: Trained CHWs (ASHA workers) delivered a group-based intervention to people with hypertension. The program, conducted fortnightly for 3 months, included monitoring of BP, education about hypertension, and support for healthy lifestyle change.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: There was an improvement in the control of blood pressure in the intervention group.
Impact Evaluations
D. Gass et al.
Summary
This study aimed to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, cost, and accuracy of using a call center to capture patient-reported post-delivery outcomes in a multi-site improvement study of facility-based childbirth in Uttar Pradesh, India. The study involved 97.9% of women delivering at study sites, and all consenting women were eligible to receive a phone call between days eight and 42 post-partum. Outcomes, including maternal and early neonatal mortality and maternal morbidity, were assessed using a standardized script. Data Quality Assurance (DQA) included accuracy and validity, and regression models were used to identify factors associated with inconsistency.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: Between February 2015 and January 2017, the call center successfully followed-up 98.0% of eligible cases; 87.9% of the outcomes were recorded by phone alone. In areas with widespread mobile cell phone access and coverage, a call center is a viable and efficient approach for the measurement of post-discharge childbirth outcomes.
Impact Evaluations
Gautham M et al.
Summary
In this study, researchers developed a media-rich, mobile phone-based clinical advice system for rural health professionals to address fevers, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses. They field-tested this application with 16 rural health professionals and 128 patients in two rural/tribal areas in Tamil Nadu, Southern India, using a randomized control approach. Protocol adherence was assessed for both groups, as well as phone use, acceptability, and patient feedback for the experimental group.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/managerial outcomes: The experimental group of Rural Health Providers (RHPs) demonstrated significantly higher protocol compliance (PC) than control RHPs, with a 26.8 percentage point increase for male patients. After training, the group showed greater consistency and improved PC across patient orders and sexes. The increase in PC across patient orders may be due to intermingling with the experimental group.
Impact Evaluations
Jindal et al.
Summary
In India, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes contribute significantly to premature adult mortality. To enhance the quality of hypertension and diabetes care in primary healthcare settings, innovative solutions like clinical decision support (CDS) software are crucial. This study aimed to outline the development process of mWellcare, a complex intervention utilizing mobile health (mHealth) technology. Following the Medical Research Council framework, four key steps were undertaken: identifying gaps in current care through literature review and facility assessments, determining intervention components through expert consultations, developing the intervention (clinical algorithms and mHealth system), and evaluating acceptability and feasibility via pilot testing in five community health centers.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: During the pilot testing of mWellcare, inadequate communication among healthcare providers led to low patient follow-up rates at the NCD clinic. Nurses found the intervention helpful, and physicians appreciated the Decision Support Recommendation printout. Lessons learned include workflow changes, refresher training, and simplification of application features
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): Despite 631 hypertension and diabetes patients registered, the follow-up rate was low at 36.2%.And mWellcare is an integrated chronic condition management system for nurses in Indian primary healthcare settings.
Impact Evaluations
Banerjee et al.
Summary
This paper focuses on the implementation of Yukti Yojana, a program introduced by the state government of Bihar, India, to enhance access to safe abortion services for rural and low-income urban women. The study conducted a descriptive analysis of the program using multiple data sources, including facility assessments, abortion service registers, client exit interviews, direct observations, and in-depth interviews with providers and stakeholders. The analysis examined the characteristics of women receiving abortion services, the quality of care and client satisfaction, and the barriers and facilitating factors in the accreditation process.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing Outcome (Population level): The Yukti Yojana, a government-led initiative, accredited 39 private facilities, 84% of which began providing abortion services to 27,724 women. The majority had a Below Poverty Line card and low living standards. The program demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships for high-quality maternal health services in low-income countries, particularly in low-resource settings like Bihar, India.
Provider/managerial outcomes: Forty-nine private facilities were accredited during the program's first two years, and 84 % had begun providing abortion services.
Impact Evaluations
Barnhart et al.
Summary
A study in Uttar Pradesh, India, investigated the relationship between coaching intensity, adherence to essential birth practices (EBPs), and maternal and perinatal health outcomes. The BetterBirth Trial data was used to define coaching intensity metrics and assess the association between coaching intensity and adherence to 18 EBPs and maternal and perinatal health outcomes using regression models. The study found that coaching can improve care quality and reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: On average, providing a facility with 6 coaching visits per month was associated with birth attendants adhering to an additional 1.3 EBPs. However, the positive effects of coaching diminished over time
Impact Evaluations
Shidhaye et al.
Summary
A comprehensive mental healthcare plan (MHCP) was developed for the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, India, by the Programme for Improving Mental Health Care (PRIME). The objective of this paper is to summarise the results of the MHCP's district-level impact evaluation. The effect of treatment on patient outcomes was evaluated using disorder-specific prospective cohort studies. Repeat community-based CS were conducted to measure change in population-level contact coverage for depression and alcohol use disorders (AUD), and repeat FDS was conducted to assess change in the detection and initiation of treatment for depression and AUD.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational Outcomes: The study found that 0% of patients were diagnosed with depression and AUDs at baseline, leading to an out-of-order treatment. However, during the follow-up survey, the number increased to 9.7% for depression and 17.8% for AUDs.
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The study showed significant response, remission, and recovery rates between intervention and comparison groups. Early remission rates were 70.2% and 44.8%, while recovery rates were 56.1% and 28.5% for treatment and comparison groups.
Social outcomes: A shift in contact coverage for depression from 14.8% to 10.5% between the baseline and follow-up surveys, and AUD numbers from 7.7% to 7.3%.
Impact Evaluations
Mohanan et al.
Summary
This study aimed to assess the impact of the World Health Partners' Sky Program, a large-scale social franchising and telemedicine initiative, on the quality of care for childhood diarrhea and pneumonia in Bihar, India. A total of 810 assessments were conducted on healthcare providers in representative samples from areas where the program was implemented and non-implemented. Using hypothetical patient vignettes and standardized patients, providers' knowledge and performance were evaluated before (2011) and after (2014) program implementation. Differences in performance between implementation and non-implementation areas were analyzed using multivariate difference-in-difference linear regression models.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: The World Health Partners' Sky Program did not significantly improve childhood diarrhoea or pneumonia care in Bihar. Although healthcare providers were seven percentage points more likely to propose appropriate treatments, there was no significant difference in practice quality. The program's knowledge of childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia was greater at follow-up, but no significant improvement was found in provider performance measures.
Impact Evaluations
Potty et al.
Summary
The Sukshema project collaborated with the Government of Karnataka to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) outcomes in eight districts from 2009 to 2015. The project focused on enhancing MNCH services through tools, processes, and mentoring for frontline workers and community structures. The study assessed changes in MNCH care indicators among recently delivered women in Bagalkot and Koppal districts. Mobile technology was employed for routine monitoring data collection using a community behavior tracking survey. Interviews with women from 200 catchment areas of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) were conducted, and changes in MNCH care indicators were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes: The study indicated a positive correlation between Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) visits and a 48-hour stay after delivery (data not presented). Additionally, a gradual improvement was observed in the maternal and neonatal care continuum over the study period. Specifically, the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery showed significant progress throughout the study duration.
Impact Evaluations
Gonsalves et al.
Summary
This paper presents the development of POD Adventures, a blended problem-solving game-based intervention targeting Indian adolescents with or at risk of anxiety, depression, and conduct difficulties. The intervention is part of the PRemIum for ADolEscents (PRIDE) research program, which aims to establish a range of psychological interventions for Indian secondary schools using a stepped care system. The development process followed a person-centered approach, including evidence review, stakeholder analysis, focus group discussions, co-design workshops, and user-testing involving student participants aged 12-17 years from schools in New Delhi and Goa.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and wellbeing outcomes( Individual level): The study found that a digital blended self-help format was acceptable for school-going adolescents. Participants found the gamified and narrative formats engaging. Revisions to the game content improved comprehension of problem-solving concepts, with key aspects like user choice, rewards, and quizzes endorsed by participants.
Impact Evaluations
Chandrashekarappa et al.
Summary
In this study, the Kisalaya cohort, established in 2008, aimed to provide integrated antenatal care (ANC) and HIV testing to reduce adverse birth outcomes and pediatric HIV infections in rural communities of southern India. Using a mobile clinic model, pregnant women in 144 villages of the Mysuru taluk received ANC, health education, and HIV/STI testing and management. Out of 1,940 women registered for ANC, 1,675 (75.6%) were enrolled in the Kisalaya cohort. The cohort expanded to include mother-infant dyads post-delivery, with a 100% retention rate at follow-up visits. Baseline data included questionnaire-based and laboratory-based investigations.
Outcomes/Observations
Organizational outcomes: The Kisalaya program provided ANC to 1,675 pregnant women in rural villages, with high HIV testing consent. The cohort achieved a 100% follow-up rate, showing feasibility in rural settings.
Health and wellbeing outcomes (Individual level): The study showed increased ANC and institutional deliveries, but caste disparities persist. General caste mothers had higher institutional delivery rates, while lower castes had lower ANC rates. HIV testing identified 14 seropositive women, prompting preventive measures.
Impact Evaluations
Fuhr et al.
Summary
A randomized controlled trial in Goa, India assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Thinking Healthy Programme (THPP) for treating perinatal depression. Pregnant women aged 18 or older with a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher were assigned to receive THPP plus enhanced usual care (EUC) or EUC alone. Primary outcomes measured depressive symptoms severity and remission six months after childbirth. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat, adjusting for pre-defined covariates and baseline imbalances.
Outcomes/Observations
Health and Wellbeing outcomes: After childbirth, there were no significant differences observed between the Thinking Healthy Programme delivered by peers (THPP) group and the control group in terms of the severity of depression (PHQ-9 scores) or the prevalence of remission. Additionally, there were no significant differences in serious adverse events between the two groups.
Impact Evaluations
Jayanna et al.
Summary
The study assessed the effectiveness of a nurse-led onsite mentoring program in improving institutional birth care in 24/7 primary health centres in two high priority districts in Karnataka state, South India. Primary outcomes included improved facility readiness and provider preparedness in managing institutional births and associated complications during child birth. The study used a cluster randomized trial design, with 54 facilities receiving six mentoring visits and initial training updates. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted, and a cost analysis was conducted.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: The nurse-led onsite mentoring program led to significant improvements in staff nurse knowledge across various parameters, except for low birth weight definition.
Organizational Outcomes: In terms of facility readiness, a higher number of intervention facilities were equipped to handle gestational hypertension and newborn complications by the end of the study period compared to the control arm.
Impact Evaluations
Ghosh et al.
Summary
A nurse-mentoring program in Bihar, India, aimed to enhance primary care providers' skills in managing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and intrapartum asphyxia. Mentor pairs visited four facilities for one week, followed by monthly visits. Changes in diagnosis and management were assessed using a quasi-experimental and longitudinal design. The study examined proportions of PPH and intrapartum asphyxia cases and their management effectiveness, using statistical models to account for clustering and time-varying confounding.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: The diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) increased during the nurse-mentoring program but decreased after the 5th week. The final week of intervention consistently had higher diagnosis rates compared to the first week. Facilities had increased odds of identifying PPH cases with each week of mentoring.
Impact Evaluations
Kaphle et al.
Summary
The study aimed to develop a framework for assessing the impact of mHealth platforms on the quality and experience of care provided by frontline workers. Formative research was conducted with 15 community health workers (CHWs) in Bihar, India, using the CommCare mHealth app for maternal and newborn care. CHWs' level of CommCare adoption, technology proficiency, and the quality and experience of care provided were evaluated through home visits. Regression techniques were used to analyze the relationships, considering individual characteristics such as literacy, education, age, and previous mobile experience.
Outcomes/Observations
Provider/Managerial Outcomes: The level of technology adoption and proficiency in using mHealth platforms significantly influenced the quality and experience of care provided by frontline workers. High users of the mHealth app showed higher quality scores, and greater proficiency in using the app was associated with higher quality and experience scores. Age and literacy had an impact on technology adoption, highlighting their importance in leveraging mHealth for improved healthcare.
Impact Evaluations
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Our identified solutions have been systematized and placed within each category or multiple categories based on their intervention type or main goal. The database is interactive, where you can search for the types of evidence that exists in each health systems component and easily view their key evidence.
Governance: Governance consists of rule–making functions by political entities to ensure creation of health and PHC policies purposive to universal coverage. These can affect financing, workforce, product patent policies, or even types of services and to which communities.
Systems Financing: Systems financing includes the determination, mobilization, and allocation of funds towards the healthcare system.
Population needs: Population needs is assessing health requirements for a defined community through surveillance, community monitoring, or other such interventions to determine what the community requires to achieve well–being.
Community Participation: Community participation includes creating accountability of the PHC system, voicing needs and concerns, and also taking their communities’ health into their own hands through community–led preventive and promotive programs.
Workforce: The primary healthcare systems’ workforce is defined by any participant helping in providing care for community members. This would include practitioners but also technicians, pharmacists, lay–health workers, etc.
Infrastructure & Management: PHC systems infrastructure captures availability and physical qualities of facilities, facility design and amenities and equipment necessary for high quality primary health care. Along with management processes such as performance measurement and management.
Financing: Financing at the PHC level is more micro and includes innovative funding mechanism for the community/ community healthcare facility such as salary structure (performance based financing, fee–for service, capitation), delivery point financing, individual/community insurance structures
Service Delivery Methods: PHC service delivery methods are practices and procedures to deliver healthcare services including innovative service delivery methods hike digital innovation services, mobile outreach services and teleconsultation.
Information Systems: PHC information systems are systems that mitigate the need for manual and paper–based databases, this includes digital medical records (hike EMRs) and integrating digital record systems and information surveillance.
Products: Products include drugs, equipment, consumables, diagnostic tools and other infrastructure (like beds, lab tools) used in health care facilities.