Project coordination
The Schieffelin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre
In this project a personalised link with patients will be established through a common cost effective technological platform to influence and help the adherence to the treatment, monitoring and follow up of these patients. Effective IEC strategies for leprosy affected patients will be identified.
Mobile Technology - A novel approach to facilitate and motivate self-care among the leprosy affected
Duration
March 2017 - December 2020
Project coordination
The Schieffelin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre (India)
Project summary
In leprosy, some significant factors perpetuate the onset of deformity and make disability permanent and progressive. The low socio-economic status, stigma, ignorance, lack of motivation and level of understanding of impairments and deformities are some key factors that lead to the irregularity and discontinuation of treatment by the patient. The non-adherence of the patient to treatment and self-care practices can lead to further deterioration and worsening of the impairments. An effective way to communicate, motivate, enhance the knowledge and understanding of the disease to the patient has always been a priority for any health education program in leprosy.
This study, used a 24 hour toll-free number and through mobile technology to assess the skill and knowledge of the person affected by leprosy on impairment and disability and further helped them to prevent these, as well as recommended to seek appropriate care. The research team through a social worker and a therapist utilised the mobile phone technology and 24 hour toll-free number to interact and provide feedback to the patients. The feedback was based on the patient’s queries and was tailor made for that specific patient. A total of 162 leprosy affected patients were followed up, of which 54 were in the intervention and 108 were in the control group. All the resources available for the leprosy affected patient through Government schemes, centres providing treatment for leprosy and its complications in the district and state were systematically collected for providing effective feedback to the patients through the toll-free number and the mobile handsets.
Treatment adherence was significantly higher among patients who were provided with mobile phones and 24 hour toll-free number facilities than of those who were given conventional and traditional advice and counselling.. In the intervention group there were two patients who defaulted in their treatment. However, in the control group there were 87 who defaulted their treatment. Viable mobile (m)-health strategies were developed considering the key factors identified from both the groups which either restrict or motivate the patient to carry out self-care such as their profession, suitability of time, gender and social issues.
Targeted m-health self-care strategies at specific time period to leprosy affected patients would help in reducing impairments. Using the mobile handsets of the patients to call and the provision of toll-free number at the health centre would help in the adherence and reduction of impairments in leprosy affected patients.
Related publications
Paul SK, Kumar DP. Use of mobile technology in preventing leprosy impairments. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2022 Jul;17(5):602-604.
Budget
€ 35,902 | Project number: 705.17.41