Make the app more accessible for users that have limited data connectivity to enable UHC in hard to reach places

[abbyad]

Brief overview of the initiative

The digital health apps that we deploy were designed to work offline, but intended for CHWs that have a connection to the internet at least once a week. The connectivity allows for syncing (aka bi-directional replication) of patients and all the reports about them. It also allows for the CHW app to be updated with the latest version of the Core Framework and the configuration, which includes the workflows like task rules and forms.

Many CHWs do not have mobile data in their home villages, and work in areas without reliable mobile data. To get mobile connectivity CHWs must often travel to a nearby town or health post. Many CHWs also disable their mobile data to save battery, turning it on only when deemed necessary.

If a CHW has no connectivity or poor connectivity they are:

• not able to get as much coaching from their supervisor
• not automatically notifying health workers or facilities of time sensitive referrals
• not getting the latest updates to their workflows
• not having their interactions taken account for in a timely manner for program administration
• not backing up data in case of loss of device

With a focus on universal health coverage and working in the hardest-to-reach communities, connectivity therefore is a major limiting factor for scaling community health apps. We should explore ways to make the app more accessible for users that have limited data connectivity.

Link to the google drive folder where info for the initiative is being managed https://drive.google.com/open?id=143CNbrBj8gOLMXrdXDuNXUxfFi_8y4Hjv1Vz7C7QVZY

[MaxDiz]

Not part of current 2021 priorities so closing. Reopen if re-prioritized

[abbyad]

This initiative is just out of the top 10 list for 2021, so I would keep this open in our backlog.