Systemic Supervision; Key to Sustainable System Implementation: Case of iCHIS

In this paper we present the critical role supportive supervision of Community Health Workers (CHWs) has played in the ongoing integrated Community Health Information System (iCHIS) implementation. Empirical data was collected through observation, interviews, coaching and resolving queries in 2 sampled districts. Three supervisions have been conducted in which a total of 147 CHWs were supervised in each iteration. The exercise has provided an opportunity to check the CHWs performance on data collection, their proficiencies in using the iCHIS app and evaluate iCHIS app performance. It also helped to diagnose challenges and system errors to determine where changes can be made to improve the iCHIS app. The supervisions also provided CHWs with an opportunity to reorient what they had learnt during the initial training. It is clear that supervision is important because it allowed even those who were avoiding the supervision session to gain the much-needed knowledge and commitment to use the iCHIS App.