Developing a social media middleware application to improve data accessibility for targeted DHIS2 users in Uganda

Abstract

Access to data is very important in ensuring data utilization for service delivery improvement, proper resource allocation, and informing policies. This research resulted in the development of a middleware application integrated into the DHIS2’s application store that enabled reports generated in DHIS2 to be shared on preconfigured social media platforms like Telegram Messenger. The main objective of this research was to develop, test, and validate the feasibility and acceptability of a middleware application that extends access to DHIS2 data beyond the native system by leveraging social media platforms, particularly Telegram Messenger, to support timely data access and use within the routine communication and decision-making environments of health workers. The choice to use social media was informed by the reality that health workers already rely on platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and others for routine coordination, supervision, and decision-making. Embedding DHIS2 data access within these existing communication ecosystems enhances timeliness, and aligns data use with users’ natural workflows. Methodology: The study applied the user-centered design approach by gathering requirements from purposively sampled users of DHIS2 for the development of the middleware application. Participants in the study included DHOs, Software developers from HISP- Uganda and participants from The Ministry of Health Division of Health information Data Center. Users were then asked to give their experience on whether the application improved data access and hence utilization during the study duration. Results The study revealed that there is positive reception of using social media platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp and that it can actually improve data access in DHIS2 since it blends in well with the naturalistic settings of the DHIS2 users. It was also revealed in the study that uptake of the new technology was easier because it was simple and easy to use in the daily workflow of users. The study showed that improving data access can positively impact data utilization. However, there were concerns about privacy and security of data that called for more stringent measures to secure the information in future iterations of the middleware application.