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Table 1 Critical success factors for SMS for Life project implementation

From: SMS for Life: a pilot project to improve anti-malarial drug supply management in rural Tanzania using standard technology

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