Simple, Low-Cost Digital Technology enabling Healthcare Worker Wellness

In response to the updated South Africa's Disaster Management Act, 2002, which includes COVID-19 Occupational Health and Safety Measures in workplaces, BroadReach created an online platform to screen all healthcare workers and staff, as well as effectively monitor and manage any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortages within supported facilities. The online platform was developed using BroadReach's existing Microsoft Office 365 (O365) software, ensuring minimal costs for development and maintenance. The platform enables the monitoring of staff health and wellness at scale, allowing for the identification of areas requiring company intervention and timely deployment of support and care. The platform includes features such as staff screening and tracking, PPE stock levels, vaccination status, and data analysis. The platform's effectiveness was demonstrated through its use over a 53-week period. During this time, 155 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported among BroadReach staff, with 90% of these cases being among unvaccinated staff. The platform facilitated the completion of wellness surveys, with 178,908 surveys completed between June 2020 and August 2020. The platform also enabled the monitoring of PPE stock levels, with bulk order deliveries made to address shortages. The platform's impact on staff health and wellness was significant, with an average adoption rate of 80.3% among staff. The platform's features, including the wellness form and PPE items shortage tracking, enabled the timely identification and management of potential health risks. The platform's use of O365 software ensured ease of use and accessibility for all staff, making it an effective tool for prioritizing staff wellbeing during the pandemic. The creation of this platform was made possible by the support of the American People through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of the platform are the responsibility of BroadReach and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. The platform's success demonstrates the potential of digital technology in ensuring the wellbeing of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.