Using the lives saved tool (LiST) to model mHealth impact on neonatal survival in resource-limited settings

Youngji Jo, Alain B Labrique, Amnesty E Lefevre, Garrett Mehl, Teresa Pfaff, Neff Walker, Ingrid K Friberg, Youngji Jo, Alain B Labrique, Amnesty E Lefevre, Garrett Mehl, Teresa Pfaff, Neff Walker, Ingrid K Friberg

Abstract

While the importance of mHealth scale-up has been broadly emphasized in the mHealth community, it is necessary to guide scale up efforts and investment in ways to help achieve the mortality reduction targets set by global calls to action such as the Millennium Development Goals, not merely to expand programs. We used the Lives Saved Tool (LiST)--an evidence-based modeling software--to identify priority areas for maternal and neonatal health services, by formulating six individual and combined interventions scenarios for two countries, Bangladesh and Uganda. Our findings show that skilled birth attendance and increased facility delivery as targets for mHealth strategies are likely to provide the biggest mortality impact relative to other intervention scenarios. Although further validation of this model is desirable, tools such as LiST can help us leverage the benefit of mHealth by articulating the most appropriate delivery points in the continuum of care to save lives.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1. mHealth Health Service Coverage Increase…
Figure 1. mHealth Health Service Coverage Increase Impact Model.
SOURCE: Authors.
Figure 2. Neonatal Mortality Impacts by Various…
Figure 2. Neonatal Mortality Impacts by Various MNH Interventions and Coverage Scenarios in Bangladesh and Uganda in 2015.
SOURCE: LiST.

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Source: PubMed

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