KM Impact Challenge Case Story Top Finalist To read the case story visit: http://kdid.org/kmic/improving-malawi%E2%80%99s-health-through-knowledge-management

1. www.k4health.org Improving Malawi’s Health Through Improved Knowledge Management

2. 1. Purpose of Assessing this KM Initiative Malawi was one of six countries initially selected to conduct Knowledge Management Needs Assessments (KMNAs), for the purpose of designing country-based KM programs. Two central questions behind this demonstration project are: Can improved knowledge management lead to improved health outcomes? Is there a country “model” that can help improve knowledge exchange at various levels of the health system?

4. District Level: Establish District Learning Centers in 2 Districts, with print and online resources, mobile hubs, and training

6. 4. Baseline Survey – Methods & Findings Used both qualitative and quantitative methods: Focus group discussions and key informant interviews with HSAs and CBDAs, A review of the SMS statistics from the hub Structured questionnaires in both districts plus the control district of Kisungu The study aimed to answer two key questions: Has the pilot SMS network increased technical exchange between frontline health workers and their district teams? To what extent has the pretest SMS network in Salima and Nkotakota improved the ability of frontline health workers to provide quality services and care? High-level findings: SMS service is cost cutting, convenient, and allows quick communication. Timely information exchange between the district and community levels can directly affect the quality of care clients receive.

7. 5. Recommendations 1. Social Network Mapping works as an interactive means to uncover bottlenecks in information flows within the health system and to describe the information network before and after a KM activity. 2. FLSMS works well as an open source platform that is extremely user friendly and does not require a third party for monitoring data. 3. KM intervention evaluation needs a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods – this approach allows one to measure indicators related to use and coverage of the intervention and it provides narratives so you can better interpret and understand the quantitative data.