Bridging the Distance Gap: Smartphone Community Snapshots Boost HIV Data Accuracy in Sokoto
In remote communities across Sokoto State, poor road networks and long travel times have often delayed the transfer of HIV service data from paper registers to the LAMIS Plus electronic system. At the close of the 2024 fiscal year, data concurrence between service registers and LAMIS Plus ranged from just 72% to 86%, limiting accurate reporting and program monitoring at ACE3-supported sites.
To address this, the Sokoto State HIV Testing Services (HTS) team introduced a simple but game-changing solution, the smartphone-powered “community snapshots.”
Field testers and HTS providers began photographing completed client intake forms on site and securely sharing the images (often via WhatsApp) with data clerks at health facilities. This allowed clerks to enter client details into LAMIS Plus immediately, even before the physical forms arrived.
Key steps to ensure quality and confidentiality included staff orientation with emphasis on clear image capture, confidentiality, and proper data handling. Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) providing clear guidelines for capturing, naming, and transmitting files securely.
Training clerks on Data Entry Protocols to verify information, flag errors, and update records in real time, and providing weekly feedback loops for virtual reviews for quality checks and problem-solving.
The results were remarkable. Within months, data concurrence jumped from 72% to 98%, backlogs were cleared, and reporting aligned seamlessly with MER indicators, improving data quality for donors and stakeholders alike.
More than just a technical fix, the approach empowered frontline staff to take ownership of data quality.
This simple act of snapping and sharing has made a world of difference. Our clients are better captured, and our reports now tell the real story of our efforts.
The “community snapshots” model proves that innovation doesn’t always require expensive technology. Sometimes, the most effective solutions start with something as accessible as a smartphone camera, bridging gaps, improving accuracy, and ensuring every client counts.