Research
We encourage independent research on Vula’s use and impact. Read the studies below published in peer reviewed journals by institutions such as the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University. All research is conducted in accordance with both medico-legal compliance and needs to be approved by academic ethics committees.
Improving tuberculosis diagnosis in South Africa’s private sector: The results of a pilot public-private mix intervention in eThekwini health district
Jody Boffa, Tsholofelo Mhlaba, Buyisile Chibi, Mergan Naidoo, Keeren Lutchminarain, Khine Swe Swe-Han, Jeremiah Chikovore, William Mapham, Sizulu Moyo
LINK TO RESEARCH
Harnessing referrals as a novel data source for improving primary health care workers’ performance in Ethiopia
— Zeine A Anore, J M Ali, T Y Sendekie, D D Berhanu, J Peter, Dr W Mapham, S B Wubneh, F A Desta, B G Dagnaw
LINK TO RESEARCH
Integration of mHealth Information and Communication Technologies Into the Clinical Settings of Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa: Qualitative Study
— Oluwamayowa Oaikhena Ogundaini , Retha de la Harpe 2, Nyx McLean 1
LINK TO RESEARCH
“Use of the Vula App to refer patients in the West Coast District: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study”
— Louwrens Steyn 1, Robert J Mash, Gavin Hendricks
LINK TO RESEARCH
This study found that using the VULA app resulted in better transfer of information and documentation of initial management of open fractures by the referring institution. Time from referral to being assessed by orthopaedics was also marginally better. While our findings suggest that there may be a lower complication rate with the use of the mobile application, further research is required to confirm this.
— Solomzi Mzamo, Jitesh Rajpaul, Megan O’Connor, John Arnold, Leonard C Marais
LINK TO RESEARCH
“Inter-hospital paediatric surgery referrals pathways: A multi-centre analysis.”
— Niveshni Maistry, Theshni Govender, Nirav Patel, Andrew Grieve
LINK TO RESEARCH
“Facilitating remote access to specialist medical expertise through the scaled up adoption of a smart phone application: A South African case”
— N Blanckenberg, T Motala
LINK TO RESEARCH
“Investigating the effect of the Vula Mobile app on coordination of care and capacity building in district health services, Cape Town: Convergent mixed methods study”
— Patrick Gloster, Robert Mash, Steve Swartz
LINK TO RESEARCH
“Orthopaedic referrals using a smartphone app: Uptake, response times and outcome”
— R W Morkel, T N Mann, G du Preez, J du Toit
LINK TO RESEARCH
“Vula Mobile's effect on the Western Cape Health System and the population it serves”
— B Kalala, Riaan Duvenage, WI Visser, Lee Wallis, William Eric Mapham, Richard Morkel, Theresa N.C. Mann, David Meyer
LINK TO RESEARCH
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