Formative qualitative research on the potential for digital solutions to address diabetes care gaps in Tanzania and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objectives Diabetes care remains unavailable and unaffordable for many people. Adapting models of care to low-income and middle-income country contexts is a priority. Digital technology offers substantial potential yet must surmount health system, technological and acceptability issues. This formative research aimed to identify the potential for a digital technology solution (Diabetes Compass) to address diabetes care gaps in primary healthcare.Design Qualitative research was conducted in selected districts of Sri Lanka and Tanzania with practitioners, patients and family members. In-depth interviews assessed how digital solutions may improve diabetes care, acceptability and usability; contextual and clinical observations identified practitioner clinical competencies, strengths and weaknesses, and the influence of the care environment on service delivery; and workshop discussions explored strategies to encourage digital solution uptake and sustain use.Setting The research was undertaken in 2022 at nine health facilities in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province (Galle), and 16 health facilities in Tanzania’s Lindi and Pwani Regions.Participants Participants included primary and secondary care practitioners, facility managers, patients and family members.Results There was striking concordance in the diabetes care gaps and potential for digital solutions in the two countries, and between practitioners, patients and family members. Five main gaps were practitioner training; health information systems and data; service delivery; infrastructure, equipment and medication; and community awareness and knowledge. Practitioners, patients and family members saw strong potential for digital solutions to improve early detection, diagnosis, secondary prevention of complications and improve patients’ and families’ experience of living with diabetes. They identified specific design and implementation considerations to enable the Diabetes Compass to realistically meet these needs and overcome challenges.Conclusion There was a strong appetite among practitioners, patients and family members for a digital solution to strengthen diabetes care. Their experience of challenges and practical recommendations informed the Diabetes Compass design.