Digital Virtual Support of Cases and Contacts to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Readiness and Knowledge Sharing for Global Outbreaks (WelTel PHM MNCH)

WelTel is a digital health service that provides virtual care and patient engagement by remotely connecting patients with the healthcare system. Patients send an SMS to WelTel, which then captures data and uses natural language processing and predictive algorithms to send tailored responses and reminders. WelTel has integrated dashboard features that support scheduling appointments and setting reminders, broadcasting phone video or public health messages or pushing existing web-services and information, all on a secure patient-portal that can track symptoms. WelTel was developed to support HIV patient engagement through a Canadian-Kenyan partnership funded by the US PEPFAR program. This partnership lead to the first randomized controlled trial evidence globally that mHealth could support HIV treatment adherence, as patients with WelTel support were more likely to have undetectable viral levels.