Effect of mobile-based supportive supervision on cold chain point management and routine immunization service delivery

ABSTRACT

Background: Supportive supervision (SS) as a public health strategy has gathered much consideration in cold chain anagement and effective service delivery of routine immunization (RI). Objectives: In this study, an attempt was made to assess the effect of mobile-based SS strategy on cold chain point’s (CCPs) management and RI service delivery. Materials and Methods: UNICEF supported mobile-based software was used to carry out the SS in Golaghat district of Assam. A total of 15 CCPs and 18 session sites were visited 2 times each in the year 2017. Data collected in the first visit were compared with the second visit to find out whether there was any improvement in cold chain management in CCPs and at routine immunization session sites following SS. Results: We observed a significant improvement in vaccine management and infrastructure handling at CCPs from initial to the second visit. Knowledge and skills of cold chain handlers regarding cold chain management at session site were improved adequately. This substantiates successful transfer of knowledge and skills during SS. Conclusion: The observed improvements in the CCP management practices and service delivery indicate positive influence of mobile-based SS. The improvement in the skills and knowledge of health workers on different components related to CCP management could be due to successful real-time hand holding of cold chain handlers and workers through SS.