“They used computers and a big phone to take pictures and record other details, aiming to reduce the time and stress spent at the weighing center,” said a nursing mother, with clear relief and excitement in her voice.
“Once registered, you can visit any weighing center in any town, and whether or not you have your weighing card, your baby’s information can be accessed immediately. This ensures prompt care, and it genuinely excites me,” she continued.
She is one of the many mothers who has experienced firsthand the life-changing benefits of Simprints’ biometric technology in healthcare.
Accurate data and patient identity management have long been challenges in healthcare, especially in remote and underserved communities.
In Ghana, Simprints, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and Gavi, is transforming the healthcare landscape for maternal and newborn health by empowering Community Health Workers (CHWs) with groundbreaking biometric technology. The initiative, aimed at improving immunization and health service delivery across 30 facilities, is yielding impressive results by enhancing data reliability, reducing workloads for health workers, and fostering positive community engagement.
Eliminating Duplicate Records and Enhancing Data Accuracy
One of the core features of Simprints’ technology is its ability to create unique digital medical records for each patient, ensuring that no duplicate entries distort the data.
This is a significant step forward in health data management, as CHWs can confidently track the number of people vaccinated and ensure that no patient falls through the cracks.The impact of this technology is evident in its contribution to improved data accuracy. A study conducted in Ghana found that Simprints’ biometric system increased data accuracy by 12.5 percentage points, a crucial improvement for CHWs who rely on precise records to monitor health progress and plan interventions.
Speeding Up Service Delivery for CHWs
Simprints’ biometric technology has proven invaluable in reducing the workload for CHWs, who previously spent significant time on paperwork and manual identification processes. With the ability to identify patients three times faster than traditional methods, CHWs can pull up patient records almost instantly through fingerprint biometrics. This speed is particularly critical in high-demand rural settings, where time saved on administrative tasks translates into more time for direct patient care.
The technology allows CHWs to reach more patients, expanding the capacity to serve mothers and children in need. One CHW noted that the system saves time and effort, reducing the need to manually verify identities or rely on paper-based documentation. Instead, health workers can now focus on delivering essential services, resulting in faster interventions and more efficient service delivery.
Wide Community Acceptance and Positive Reception
Simprints’ technology has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both CHWs and community members in Ghana. CHWs report that patients, especially mothers, view the fingerprint scanner as an enhancement to healthcare, an advancement that brings dignity and respect to the process of receiving medical care.
Many clients prefer fingerprint biometrics over other forms of identification due to its simplicity and non-intrusive nature.
This acceptance has fostered a sense of trust and collaboration, making the integration of Simprints’ technology into community health workflows smooth and effective. One CHW shared that mothers often take pride in using the fingerprint scanner, seeing it as a symbol of a modernized healthcare system. This community engagement not only simplifies the CHWs’ work but also strengthens the relationship between healthcare providers and the populations they serve.
Training and User Satisfaction Among CHWs
Simprints has invested in comprehensive training programs to ensure CHWs are proficient in using the new biometric tools. In Ghana, 92% of CHWs reported that Simprints’ training was clear and effective, leading to a notable increase in understanding of the technology from pre- to post-training sessions.
This thorough training has resulted in high satisfaction levels among CHWs, with 67% expressing ongoing satisfaction with Simprints’ tools as they become more accustomed to their use. As CHWs become adept at using the technology, they are better positioned to optimize their workflows and provide seamless healthcare services. This increasing familiarity contributes to a more positive work experience for CHWs and enhances the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Commitment to Data Privacy and Ethical Standards
Simprints places a strong emphasis on data privacy and protection, adhering to strict global standards. Before biometric data is collected, each patient provides informed consent, ensuring transparency in how their data will be used and stored.
This commitment to ethical data handling is vital for maintaining the trust of community members and safeguarding sensitive health information. Simprints’ data protection protocols have led to a high consent rate, with 92% of individuals across Simprints’ global projects agreeing to biometric use.
Future Plans and Impact Evaluation
Looking ahead, Simprints is planning a multi-year randomized control trial in Ghana in 2024. This study will evaluate the impact of biometric technology on childhood vaccinations, particularly for malaria, and aims to provide concrete data on the effectiveness of biometric verification in supporting public health outcomes. By quantifying the impact of real-time biometric data collection, Simprints aims to showcase the scalability of its technology as a critical solution for improving health services and outcomes.
Expanding Biometric Solutions to the Last Mile
Simprints’ project in Ghana is the first to use biometric technology designed for last-mile healthcare delivery. Its dual contact and contactless biometric modalities ensure that CHWs can serve remote populations with ease and flexibility. The system is particularly beneficial in maternal and newborn child health services, where the stakes are high, and accurate data is essential for effective care.
Since the project began, 6,244 people have received at least one biometrically verified health service, with 1,805 successful identifications and verifications. Furthermore, Simprints has trained 142 health workers in one session, of whom 71 remain active users of the technology.
