The Implementation of Virtual
Code System
Background
In the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, efficient and accessible service provision is paramount. Traditional healthcare
systems often face challenges related to timely access, communication gaps, and streamlined service referrals. To address these
issues and enhance the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, the implementation of innovative digital solutions is increasingly
essential.
Introduction to the Digital Code System
We are introducing a digital code system designed to revolutionize how health services are accessed and managed. This system,
integrated with our SMS platform, aims to address current gaps in service delivery and improve overall healthcare outcomes. The
digital code system will operate as follows:
• Client Interaction: Clients who call in or send health inquiries will receive unique digital codes. These codes are assigned
based on their specific needs and queries.
• Service Referral: Clients will present these digital codes to the referred health service providers. This process will facilitate
accurate and efficient referrals, ensuring that clients receive the appropriate services.
• Service Documentation: After providing the service, healthcare providers will send an SMS to a designated short code
(8080), detailing the services rendered and other relevant information.
• Data Collection and Reporting: The information collected through these SMS communications will be aggregated at the
call center. This data will then be curated and analyzed to generate comprehensive reports. These reports will provide
valuable insights into service utilization, client needs, and overall system performance.
The primary objectives of this initiative are to enhance efficiency by streamlining the referral process, improve accessibility
through a simple digital system, facilitate data-driven decisions to address healthcare gaps, and increase client satisfaction with a
more responsive, client-centric approach to healthcare delivery.
LET’S DIVE INTO SOME OF THE FINDINGS FROM THE DATA
138 INQUIRIES FROM KAMPALA IN THE MONTHS OF JUNE, JULY &
AUGUST
132 OF THOSE WERE HIV RELATED INQUIRIES AND WERE
REFERRED
81.3 OF THOSE REFERRALS WERE TO GET ACCESS TO FREE HIV
6%
SELF-TEST KITS (ST KITS)
LET’S DIVE INTO SOME OF THE FINDINGS FROM THE DATA
138 INQUIRIES FROM KAMPALA IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS
132 OF THOSE WERE HIV RELATED INQUIRIES AND WERE
REFERRED
81.3 OF THOSE REFERRALS WERE TO GET ACCESS TO FREE HIV
6%
SELF-TEST KITS (ST KITS)
LET’S DIVE INTO SOME OF THE FINDINGS FROM THE DATA
21 client Inquiries
11 clients of the 21 were referred
Ju 8 inquiries were about HIV
ne
102 Client Inquiries
Jul 101 clients of the 102 were referred with all of them being HIV related
y
A 14 Client Inquiries
ug 3 clients were referred with all being HIV related
us
t
FINDINGS/GAPS TO ADDRESS
Challenges with the Traditional Referral System
Gap: Clients frequently inquire about how to access specific services like the Free HIV testing kits and crucially, our current
systems do not have mechanisms to track whether patients actually attend their referral appointments, leaving a significant
gap in the continuity of care and patient management.
Implication: The inefficiency in the referral system can lead to delays in receiving care, which can be particularly
detrimental for conditions like HIV, where timely intervention is crucial. Additionally, current systems often lack mechanisms
to confirm whether patients actually attend their referral appointments at other health facilities, which further complicates
care coordination and management.
Urgency: Streamlining the referral process with a virtual code system can address these inefficiencies effectively. This
system would reduce delays and enhance client satisfaction and outcomes by ensuring diligent follow-up. It will confirm
whether individuals referred from one health facility to another complete their referrals and help understand and address the
reasons for any failures, ensuring that clients receive the necessary support and care.
High Demand for HIV Self-Testing Kits
Gap: The data shows a consistent and high frequency of inquiries related to HIV self-testing kits, indicating a substantial
demand. Despite this, there may be insufficient availability or accessibility of these kits at local health facilities.
Implication: The high demand suggests that existing distribution channels are not meeting the needs of the population.
This could result in delayed or missed diagnoses, increasing the risk of HIV transmission and progression.
Urgency: Immediate action is needed to enhance the accessibility of HIV self-testing kits. A virtual code system could
facilitate efficient distribution and ensure that clients receive these kits promptly.
Fragmented Communication
Gap: The data includes mentions of poor phone network issues and clients struggling to connect with healthcare providers.
This fragmentation can impede the delivery of timely and accurate information and services.
Implication: Poor communication can result in clients missing out on necessary services or not receiving adequate follow-
up. It can also affect the quality of care and client trust in the healthcare system.
Urgency: Implementing a virtual code system with centralized communication can mitigate these issues, ensuring more
reliable and effective interactions between clients and healthcare providers.
WHY WE NEED TO IMPLEMENT THE VIRTUAL CODE SYSTEM
Identified Gaps and Urgent Needs
1. High Demand for HIV Self-Testing
Our data reveals a substantial and recurring demand for HIV Self-Testing (HIVST). Clients repeatedly express a need for free HIV self-test kits,
indicating a critical gap in accessibility to these essential services. Specifically, the following points are noteworthy:
• Frequent Requests: Numerous clients have inquired about accessing free HIVST kits, underscoring a persistent demand. For example,
multiple entries show clients requesting HIVST kits and reporting difficulties in obtaining them from health facilities.
• Accessibility Issues: The high frequency of requests for HIVST kits suggests that traditional testing facilities might be either inaccessible
or insufficient in meeting the demand. This indicates an urgent need for alternative methods to ensure widespread availability.
2. Lack of Efficient Referrals
Current referral processes appear inefficient, leading to delays and client dissatisfaction. The data shows clients struggling to navigate the
healthcare system, with frequent inquiries about accessing specific services or facilities. This includes:
• Difficulties in Accessing Services: Clients have expressed frustration over finding specific services, such as HIVST kits and PrEP, and
often have to follow up multiple times.
• Need for Streamlined Referrals: The system lacks a streamlined method for clients to be referred to the appropriate healthcare
providers, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in service delivery.
3. Fragmented Data Collection and Reporting
The existing method of data collection and reporting is fragmented, making it difficult to gather comprehensive insights and track service
utilization effectively. The data shows:
• Inconsistent Data Collection: Information about client interactions and service provision is often collected inconsistently, leading to
gaps in understanding service needs and outcomes.
• Limited Data Utilization: Without a centralized system for data aggregation and analysis, it is challenging to generate actionable
reports that can inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
We identified 20 health care centers within Kampala district with emphasis on Health Center 3
and 4s to implement the virtual code system. Our proposal is to have the contacts people of the
selected health care centers to further implement the virtual code system.
The list of the selected health centers is in the next slide.
HSD SUBCOUNTY FACILITY NAME LEVEL AUTHORITY OWNERSHIP CONTACT PERSON PHONE AND OR EMAIL
Kawempe Division HSD Kawempe Division Kawempe Referral Hospital RH MOH GOVT
Kawempe Division HSD Kawempe Division Komamboga HC III HC III MOH GOVT
Kawempe Division HSD Kawempe Division Mulago National Referral Hospital NRH MOH GOVT
Makindye Division HSD Makindye Division Kabalagala Police HC II HC II UPF GOVT
Makindye Division HSD Makindye Division Katwe Police HC II HC II UPF GOVT
Makindye Division HSD Makindye Division Kiruddu Referral Hospital RH MOH GOVT
Makindye Division HSD Makindye Division Kisugu HC III HC III MOH GOVT
Makindye Division HSD Makindye Division Nsambya Police HC III HC III UPF GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division Bukoto Health Center HC II HC II MOH GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division Butabika National Referral Hospital NRH UPS GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division China Uganda Friendship (Naguru) Referral Hospital RH MOH
GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division Kireka Special Investigations Department(Sid) Clinic HC II HC II
MOH GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division Kiswa HC III HC III MOH GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division Murchision Bay Hospital Hospital UPS GOVT
Nakawa Division HSD Nakawa Division Naguru Police HC II HC II UPF GOVT
Rubaga Division HSD Rubaga Division Kawaala Health Centre HC III HC III MOH GOVT
Rubaga Division HSD Rubaga Division Kitebi Health Centre HC III HC III MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Kisenyi HC IV HC IV MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Kisenyi HC IV HC IV MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Kisenyi HC IV HC IV MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Kisenyi HC IV HC IV MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Wandegeya Police HC II HC II UPF GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Bank Of Uganda Clinic HC II HC II MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division City Hall Clinic HC II HC II MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Bank Of Uganda Clinic HC II HC II MOH GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Makerere University Hospital Hospital MoES GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Old Kampala Police HC II HC II UPF GOVT
Central Division HSD Kampala Central Division Police Mechanical Workshop Clinic HC II HC II UPF GOVT
