Mapping evidence on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in low-and-middle-income countries: Scoping review protocol

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Study Justification:
– Inadequate interventions in resource-limited settings for women of reproductive age to access and use health services
– Need to map evidence on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
– Identify research gaps to guide future research
Study Highlights:
– Scoping review protocol using PRISMA-ScR methodology
– Primary search includes various databases, journals, projects, conference papers, and grey literature sources
– Thematic content analysis using NVivo software
– Focus on women of reproductive age in LMICs
– Aim to identify interventions for accessing healthcare services in LMICs
Study Recommendations:
– Conduct further research to address identified research gaps
– Develop interventions to improve access to healthcare information for women of reproductive age in LMICs
Key Role Players:
– Researchers
– Reviewers (JS and TPMT)
– Librarian (for assistance in developing search strategy)
– Policy makers
– Healthcare providers
– Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
– Community leaders
Cost Items for Planning Recommendations:
– Research team salaries
– Database access fees
– Software licenses (e.g., NVivo)
– Travel expenses for data collection
– Publication and dissemination costs
– Training and capacity building for healthcare providers and community leaders

The strength of evidence for this abstract is 7 out of 10.
The evidence in the abstract is moderately strong. The study describes a scoping review protocol that will include a comprehensive search of various databases and sources. The use of two independent reviewers and a thematic content analysis adds rigor to the study. However, the abstract does not provide specific details on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and it is not registered with PROSPERO. To improve the strength of the evidence, the study could consider registering with PROSPERO to enhance transparency and reduce potential bias. Additionally, providing more details on the inclusion and exclusion criteria would help readers assess the relevance and quality of the included studies.

Background: Research shows that there are inadequate interventions in resource-limited settings that could enable women of reproductive age to access and use health services in those settings. The main objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in LMICs. Method and analysis: The primary search will include Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic search complete, CINAHL with full text, MEDLINE with full text, MEDLINE), Emerald, Embase, CDSR, PsycINFO, published and peer review journals, organisational projects, conference papers, reference list, grey literature sources, as well as reports related to this objective will be included in the study. Identified keywords will be used to search articles from the studies. The articles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers (JS and TPMT). Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be considered to guide the screening. A thematic content analysis will be used to present the narrative account of the reviews, using NVivo computer software (version 11). Discussions: The scoping review will focus on women of reproductive age in LMICs. We anticipate finding relevant literature on the interventions aimed at accessing health care services in LMICs. The study findings will help reveal research gaps to guide future research. Scoping review registration: Not registered with PROSPERO (not needed). Protocol and registration: This scoping review was not registered.

This study is part of a larger study aimed at assessing the barriers and challenges to access and utilise maternal healthcare information provided to young women during pregnancy in the Ohangwena Region, Namibia. We will conduct a scoping review, which will be guided by PRISMA–ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review). The PRISMA-ScR follows the following steps: protocol and registration, eligibility criteria, information sources, search, selection of sources of evidence, data charting process, data items, critical appraisal of individual sources of evidence and synthesis of results. Results will include the following steps: Selection of sources of evidence, characteristics of sources of evidence, results of individual sources of evidence and synthesis of results. The last components will be Discussion which involves summary of evidence. Limitations and Conclusion are the last two steps of this methodology [17]. A scoping review requires a broad question to help you investigate what has been done in the field [18]. The type of systematic review will be guided by the study designs of the eligible studies following the screening for the scoping review [19, 20]. A search strategy will be developed with assistance from the librarian. This scoping review will include all study designs. It will also include grey literature. The aim of the study is to map existing evidence to help us answer our research question. Main research question: What is the evidence on access to healthcare information by women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries? Sub-questions: What factors contribute to women of reproductive age in LMICs to not access health care information?

Based on the information provided, here are some potential innovations that could improve access to maternal health:

1. Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications: Develop and implement mobile applications that provide easily accessible and user-friendly healthcare information specifically tailored for women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These apps could include information on prenatal care, nutrition, childbirth, postnatal care, and family planning.

2. Telemedicine Services: Establish telemedicine services that allow women in LMICs to remotely consult with healthcare professionals, ask questions, and receive guidance on maternal health issues. This could help overcome geographical barriers and provide timely access to healthcare information.

3. Community Health Workers: Train and deploy community health workers in LMICs to provide education and support to women of reproductive age. These workers can visit communities, conduct health education sessions, and provide personalized guidance on maternal health topics.

4. Digital Health Platforms: Create online platforms or websites that offer comprehensive maternal health information, including articles, videos, and interactive tools. These platforms can be easily accessed by women in LMICs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

5. Health Information Hotlines: Establish toll-free hotlines where women can call and receive accurate and reliable information on maternal health. These hotlines can be staffed by trained healthcare professionals who can address queries and provide guidance.

6. Collaborative Partnerships: Foster collaborations between governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities to develop and implement innovative solutions for improving access to maternal health. This can involve leveraging existing infrastructure, resources, and expertise to reach more women in need.

It is important to note that these recommendations are based on the general context of improving access to maternal health and may not directly address the specific research objectives outlined in the provided study protocol.
AI Innovations Description
The recommendation that can be developed into an innovation to improve access to maternal health based on the described study is to develop and implement targeted interventions that address the barriers identified in accessing healthcare information by women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These interventions should focus on the following areas:

1. Information dissemination: Develop innovative strategies to effectively disseminate healthcare information to women of reproductive age in LMICs. This can include leveraging technology such as mobile phones, internet platforms, and social media to reach a wider audience and provide easily accessible and culturally appropriate information.

2. Health literacy programs: Implement health literacy programs that aim to improve the understanding of healthcare information among women of reproductive age. These programs should focus on enhancing their knowledge about maternal health, including the importance of antenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal care.

3. Community engagement: Engage local communities and community leaders to promote awareness and understanding of maternal health issues. This can be done through community-based workshops, support groups, and outreach programs that provide information and resources to women and their families.

4. Training healthcare providers: Provide training and capacity building for healthcare providers in LMICs to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively communicate healthcare information to women of reproductive age. This includes training on culturally sensitive communication, patient-centered care, and the use of appropriate language and visuals.

5. Collaboration and partnerships: Foster collaboration and partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to collectively address the barriers to accessing healthcare information. This can involve sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that access to maternal health information will be improved, leading to better health outcomes for women of reproductive age in LMICs.
AI Innovations Methodology
In order to improve access to maternal health, there are several potential recommendations that can be considered:

1. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions: Utilizing mobile technology to deliver maternal health information, reminders, and appointment notifications to women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This can be done through text messages, voice calls, or smartphone applications.

2. Community health workers: Training and deploying community health workers to provide education, counseling, and support to pregnant women and new mothers in their communities. These workers can help bridge the gap between healthcare facilities and the community, ensuring that women have access to the information and resources they need.

3. Telemedicine: Implementing telemedicine programs that allow pregnant women in remote areas to consult with healthcare providers through video calls or other digital platforms. This can help overcome geographical barriers and provide timely access to healthcare information and advice.

4. Health information campaigns: Conducting targeted health information campaigns to raise awareness about maternal health issues, the importance of antenatal care, and the available healthcare services. These campaigns can be conducted through various channels such as radio, television, social media, and community gatherings.

To simulate the impact of these recommendations on improving access to maternal health, a methodology could be developed as follows:

1. Define the indicators: Identify key indicators that reflect access to maternal health, such as the number of antenatal care visits, the percentage of women receiving skilled birth attendance, or the rate of maternal mortality.

2. Collect baseline data: Gather existing data on the selected indicators to establish a baseline for comparison. This data can be obtained from national health surveys, health facility records, or other relevant sources.

3. Develop a simulation model: Create a simulation model that incorporates the potential recommendations mentioned above. This model should consider factors such as the population size, geographical distribution, existing healthcare infrastructure, and the effectiveness of the proposed interventions.

4. Input data and parameters: Input the baseline data and parameters into the simulation model. This includes information on the current access to maternal health services, the coverage of existing interventions, and the expected impact of the proposed recommendations.

5. Run simulations: Run multiple simulations using different scenarios and assumptions to assess the potential impact of the recommendations on improving access to maternal health. This can involve varying factors such as the scale of implementation, the reach of interventions, and the level of community engagement.

6. Analyze results: Analyze the simulation results to determine the projected changes in the selected indicators. This can include comparing the baseline data with the simulated outcomes to quantify the potential improvements in access to maternal health.

7. Validate and refine the model: Validate the simulation model by comparing the simulated results with real-world data, if available. Refine the model based on feedback and further insights gained from the analysis.

8. Communicate findings: Present the findings of the simulation study in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the potential impact of the recommendations on improving access to maternal health. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, resource allocation, and the implementation of interventions.

It is important to note that the methodology described above is a general framework and can be adapted based on the specific context and available data.

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