The ICATT developmental team from WHO, NFSD and Sirius Technologies, in collaboration with WHO Zambia conducted a beta-test workshop in Lusaka, Zambia to assess the usability of the first component of the ICATT software - the IMCI chart booklet builder and viewer - with target users. The 11 participants of the workshop were experienced in adapting the IMCI clinical guidelines and represented Ethiopia, Ghana, India and Zambia. In all four countries efforts are under way to identify cost-effective alternatives to the standard IMCI training course.
During the 3-day workshop, participants received an overview of the ICATT computer software and an introduction to the functions of the computerized chart booklet builder and viewer. They were then asked to use the computer software to enter their country's adapted IMCI clinical guidelines, and to report all problems with the software either directly to the workshop facilitators or through an electronic reporting system. At the end of each day, brainstorming sessions were held to discuss how the programme could be improved, and how it might be applied in countries.
The workshop resulted in more than 80 findings for technical improvements to the software. In addition, participants reached consensus on the terms to use within the programme to describe common functions, made recommendations for how the tool could be applied in countries, and completed a survey on the coverage of IMCI training and capacity for computer-based learning in their countries.