Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42559244›Full record

ArticleCureus2026

Frontline Health Workers' Perceptions of Digital Health Platforms: Qualitative Insights From the North Guwahati Block in Assam.

Sampriti Paul, Priyanka Saha, Mintu Dewri Bharali, Achyut Chandra Baishya, Jutika Ojah

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Sampriti PaulDepartment of Community Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, IND.
Priyanka SahaDepartment of Community Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, IND.
Mintu Dewri BharaliDepartment of Community Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, IND.
Achyut Chandra BaishyaDepartment of Community Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, IND.
Jutika OjahDepartment of Community Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, IND.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDigital health platforms are increasingly promoted as tools for strengthening health systems, improving access to care, and enhancing patient outcomes. In Northeast India, where difficult terrain, dispersed populations, and healthcare access challenges persist, evidence regarding frontline health workers' (FLWs') experiences with digital health platforms remains limited.

objectivesThe objective of this study is to explore the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of FLWs in relation to the adoption and use of digital health platforms in rural Assam.

methodsA qualitative study was conducted between April and May 2026 in the North Guwahati block of Assam, covering one district hospital, one community health center, three primary health centers-health and wellness centers, and three sub-center-health and wellness centers. FLWs, including medical officers, community health officers, auxiliary nurse-midwives, Multipurpose workers, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), were selected purposively. Participants were recruited until data saturation was achieved, ensuring that no new themes emerged. Two additional interviews were reviewed after thematic redundancy to confirm saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and ​thematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke's six-step framework. Digital health platforms included routinely used government-supported digital systems for service delivery, reporting, teleconsultation, and beneficiary tracking.

resultsFour key themes emerged: perceived benefits, operational challenges, capacity constraints, and sustainability concerns. While FLWs appreciated the improved access, convenience, and documentation offered by digital platforms, participants reported persistent issues related to poor internet connectivity, duplication of reporting systems, inadequate training, increased workload, and limited interoperability between digital platforms.

conclusionFLWs perceive digital health platforms as beneficial for patient care but face significant operational, capacity, and sustainability challenges. Strengthening infrastructure, ensuring interoperability, providing continuous training, and addressing equity concerns are essential for the effective and sustainable scale-up of digital health initiatives in rural India.

Indexed as

assamayushman bharat digital missionbraun and clarke’s frameworkdigital healthfrontline health workersperceptionsqualitative studyrural healthteleconsultationuser-centered design

Identifiers

PMID42559244
PMCPMC13440629

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.