We believe that utilizing innovative technologies is essential in our service delivery, research, and advocacy work.
Field-Based Medical Informatics
Through a collaboration with Medic Mobile, PHP is in the process of implementing PatientView, a field-based electronic medical records system, at our program sites in Kashongi and Kitura. In an area where internet connectivity is virtually nonexistent, this unique software harnesses the power of mobile phone networks to send data via SMS, or text message. This allows our community health workers to communicate directly with the health centers at all times and send information back to the medical records system from anywhere – for example, during follow-up visits at a patient’s household.
Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing
To support our research evaluations in the field, we have deployed state-of-the-art netbook computers running CSPro, an open source software provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. This allows us to collect data in an efficient and accurate manner, as conducting household surveys on portable computers reduces the need for post-collection data entry and the potential for surveyor error.
Social Networking and Grassroots Organizing
We believe in a grassroots approach to fundraising and advocacy. We strive to engage our partners through a variety of media, particularly those that reduce traditional barriers to entry. We believe that building personal relationships and creating an image through word-of-mouth are powerful ways to spread our message and raise funds for our cause. In today’s data-driven technological society, we believe that having a strong presence on the internet will enable us to reach a wider audience in our relationship building. To this end, we seek to utilize social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter to develop a strong network of “followers” who will spread awareness about our activities.