Transforming Health Facility Evaluations in Eastern Visayas: The Development of the FReSAAR Digital Tool
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Background
On September 25, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a collaborative meeting to initiate the development of the FReSAAR application, a digital tool aimed at enhancing health facility assessments and reporting, particularly for adolescent health. Representatives from multiple organizations and agencies joined the discussion, including:
- Eastern Visayas CHD (EV CHD)
- Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)
- UNICEF
- CP Health Innovations (CPHI)
This initial session focused on reviewing indicators to be included in the assessment forms and the digitalization of specific documents, such as: - M1 (Monthly Form 1) from the Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS)
- M2 Form (similar to M1 with a different program set)
- A1 Form (Annual Form 1)
Additional forms reviewed for inclusion:
- AFHF Level 2-3 Checklist
- Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) Monthly Accomplishment Report
- FHSIS Indicators
Key Developments
Integration of Indicators
The session also discussed incorporating indicators prepared by ZFF into the FReSAAR app. Eastern Visayas CHD emphasized maintaining control over the indicators within the application, requiring Provincial Health Offices to submit formal requests for any modifications. These protocols ensure consistent and standardized usage across facilities.
Workflow Design and Orientation
In a pre-orientation meeting on October 17, 2023, the CPHI team collaborated with the WHO and Eastern Visayas CHD teams to refine the workflows for internal and external assessments. Key highlights include:
- Internal Assessments: Self-assessment forms completed and submitted via the web application.
- External Assessments: Field assessors conduct evaluations and submit results through the mobile application.
Sustainability Focus
Eastern Visayas CHD clarified that the app’s indicators should align with Philhealth standards, enabling facilities to secure financial reimbursements. This feature equips Local Government Units (LGUs) with actionable insights to address health facility needs and ensure operational sustainability.
Application Development and Proposed Features
To address the complexity of data processing, the FReSAAR tool integrates both mobile and web applications:
- Web Application: Designed for internal compliance forms submitted to Eastern Visayas CHD.
- Mobile Application: Streamlines on-site evaluations by independent assessors, enabling real-time submission of assessments.
This dual-platform approach optimizes usability while ensuring alignment with existing workflows.
Progress and Next Steps
During the October 17-19, 2023 training, Eastern Visayas CHD provided final confirmation on the indicators to be included in the FReSAAR application. The app is now in development, with a targeted completion date set for late January 2024. Once finalized, the tool will be presented to end-users for deployment.
Anticipated Outcomes
The development of the FReSAAR application underscores its potential to:
- Streamline health facility assessments.
- Enhance compliance with PhilHealth standards.
- Provide LGUs with critical data for health investment planning.
Commitment to Sustainability
The CPHI team is confident in the FReSAAR tool’s ability to support Eastern Visayas CHD in achieving its goals of financial and operational sustainability. By integrating reliable and efficient digital solutions, FReSAAR is poised to make a lasting impact on public health management.
Stay tuned for updates on the app’s development and rollout in our upcoming reports!