Factor | Comments |
---|---|
Inclusion in government mainstream programmes | Ensures that the system becomes mandatory and included in job descriptions/accountability of district personnel |
Project tasks are not dependent on external resources | |
Fixed timescale | A specific time period for implementation is advisable |
A period of 12-18 months is recommended | |
Strict timelines and strong project management are essential | |
Mobile telephone coverage | Mobile telephone coverage within at least 2-3 hours of the health facility is mandatory for project participation |
Future implementation should be focused on areas with adequate coverage | |
Free mobile telephone response number | Personal telephones frequently have no credit Free number ensures that cost is not a deterrent to sending stock count replies |
Use of personal mobile telephones | Avoids problems of maintenance, familiarity and issue of ownership associated with project-owned telephones |
Registration/deregistration permits changes to health facility staff and personal mobile telephone numbers | |
Airtime credit incentive for punctual stock count responses | Transmit a small amount of airtime credit to personal mobile telephones for each timely response (recommended for at least a one-year period) |
Mobile telephone access to the system | Provide a mobile telephone version of the system, and Blackberry or similar devices if necessary, to permit management staff to connect to the system if computer-based access is problematic |
Effective training session for health facility workers | Invitations to stress the importance of bringing a personal mobile telephone with known network coverage in the health facility area |
Include session on 'how to text' | |
Expand practical component to run 5 live scenarios twice | |
Improved health facility store rooms | Pharmacy best practice would be assisted by standardized provision of store room equipment/shelving |
Include stock counts at Zonal Stores | Weekly stock counts from Zonal Stores would provide comprehensive visibility of stock levels and stock coverage for the entire country |