South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDOH) is working to strengthen occupational health and reduce TB infections, and other diseases, in healthcare facilities and contribute quality data for evidence-based decision making at all levels. IPConnect’s suite of mHealth applications will help strengthen administrative IPC procedures and allow NDOH staff gather and analyze data for a more targeted IPC response.

IPConnect’s suite of applications will provide the NDOH a comprehensive overview of facility-specific IPC gaps, both physical and knowledge, and identify focused response actions, allow for mass distribution of guideline updates, trainings, and other information, education and communication (IEC) materials, and provide real time data for immediate and accurate action. Automatic geo-tagging and time capture will further ensure accurate response. Through IPConnect’s data analysis module, the NDOH can generate periodic reports for decision making purposes, improve the quality of services and reduce bio-hazard at health facilities. Comprehensive data collection of IPC risks, responses, and guidelines will allow NDOH staff to ensure appropriate provision of resources and tailored trainings and supervision activities. Real time geo-tagged data will ensure immediate response to outbreaks and other highly infectious incidents, and analyze gaps by geographic location. Access to IPConnect applications varies by healthcare worker and supervisor need.

IPConnect is made possible through the funding of the USAID TB CARE II Project.