Feasibility of neoSpot vital signs assessment by community health workers during antenatal care community outreach in Lusaka, Zambia: a qualitative study

Abstract Introduction The integration of digital tools in health initiatives marks a pivotal shift in traditional healthcare delivery methods. Technology-supported antenatal care (ANC) interventions have helped healthcare providers and community health workers (CHWs) to choose the course of action for individual patients. This study aimed to explore the suitability, feasibility, and acceptability of a wearable monitor, neoSpot, for measuring vital signs among pregnant women done by CHWs attending routine ANC visits during community outreach in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods This feasibility study was implemented between March and May 2023 at Kanyama 1st Level Hospital and its respective communities. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews (IDIs) among 12 purposively selected pregnant women and 12 trained CHWs. Eligible study participants were selected from those participating in the parent study, where pregnant women were screened for vital signs and blood pressure by CHWs using the neoSpot device. Thematic framework analysis used inductive and deductive reasoning for coding using NVivo and Excel for data organization. The Suitability-Feasibility-Acceptability (SFA) framework was used as an analytical lens to guide the interpretation and organization of findings. Results The study revealed that neoSpot was accepted by pregnant women and CHWs for its ability to comprehensively assess vital signs, including those not typically assessed at clinics. Participants valued its speed, efficiency, and user-friendliness, believing it could reduce waiting times at antenatal clinics. Initially, pregnant women expressed concerns and apprehension about the new device, fuelled by misinformation and fears of its impact on their unborn babies and their skin. Conclusion Overall, neoSpot was perceived by pregnant women and community health workers as a suitable, feasible, and acceptable tool for vital signs assessment during ANC community outreach. Its perceived efficiency, portability, and comprehensive monitoring capability support its potential integration into CHW-led services, provided implementation challenges such as connectivity and workflow optimization are addressed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.Org NCT05652777, September 13, 2022