Designing sustainable revenue models for CHW-centric entrepreneurial ventures

Jonathan Callan, Phillip Sundin, Stephen Suffian, Khanjan Mehta

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Developing countries around the world have implemented Community Health Worker (CHW) programs to improve community health through education, advocacy and direct assistance. CHWs have repeatedly proven their ability to mitigate the growing double disease burden of infectious and chronic illnesses. At the same time, a lack of tangible incentives for CHWs leads to high attrition rates, poor efficiency and lack of coordination and accountability. In the quest for transforming CHWs from volunteers to entrepreneurs, a typology of eight business models where CHWs function as the channels and champions for global health projects has been articulated. In parallel, the literature on the failure modes of telemedicine, eHealth and mHealth ventures is gradually growing and providing new insights and practical design lessons. This article synthesizes the business models and failure modes, i.e. it discusses the primary failure modes for each of the eight business models for sustainable CHW projects and programs. This knowledge is pivotal for innovators and entrepreneurs seeking to engage local entrepreneurs and CHWs to operationalize interventions that tackle last mile health care challenges while creating jobs or providing frameworks for income generation and entrepreneurship.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 4th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages687-693
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781479971930
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014
Event4th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2014 - San Jose, United States
Duration: Oct 10 2014Oct 13 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 4th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2014

Other

Other4th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose
Period10/10/1410/13/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Engineering(all)

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