title: Measuring Implementation Strength for Integrated Community Case Management in Malawi: Results from a National Cell Phone Census.
abstract: Program managers, investors, and evaluators need real-time information on how program strategies are being scaled up and implemented. Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses is a strategy for increasing access to diagnosis and treatment of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea through community-based health workers. We collected real-time data on iCCM implementation strength through cell phone interviews with community-based health workers in Malawi and calculated indicators of implementation strength and utilization at district level using consensus definitions from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and iCCM partners. All of the iCCM implementation strength indicators varied widely within and across districts. Results show that Malawi has made substantial progress in the scale-up of iCCM since the 2008 program launch. However, there are wide differences in iCCM implementation strength by district. Districts that performed well according to the survey measures demonstrate that MOH implementation strength targets are achievable with the right combination of supportive structures. Using the survey results, specific districts can now be targeted with additional support.
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Heidkamp
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Hazel
authors: Humphreys
authors: H
authors: Nsona
authors: Tiope
authors: T
authors: Mleme
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Jamali
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Bryce
mesh_terms: D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D040421:Cell Phone; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008295:Malawi; D016730:Program Development