ANMOL Sakhi: Empowering Frontline Care Through IoT
ANMOL Sakhi: Empowering Frontline Care Through IoT
ANMOL Sakhi: Empowering Frontline Care Through IoT
UX Research & Design for Scale | From Pilot to National Adoption
UX Research & Design for Scale | From Pilot to National Adoption
UX Research & Design for Scale | From Pilot to National Adoption
Role
UX Designer and Researcher
Industry
Public Health
OVERVIEW
Equipped Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) with an IoT-enabled care kit designed to work with the government’s existing ANM app — helping frontline workers deliver more accurate, confident maternal care during village health days, even in low-resource settings.
Impact:
✔️ 90% device adoption
✔️ 50% reduction in data heaping
✔️ 7% more high-risk pregnancies detected
✔️ Scaled from 4-block pilot to national-level adoption
Equipped Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) with an IoT-enabled care kit designed to work with the government’s existing ANM app — helping frontline workers deliver more accurate, confident maternal care during village health days, even in low-resource settings.
Impact:
✔️ 90% device adoption
✔️ 50% reduction in data heaping
✔️ 7% more high-risk pregnancies detected
✔️ Scaled from 4-block pilot to national-level adoption
Equipped Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) with an IoT-enabled care kit designed to work with the government’s existing ANM app — helping frontline workers deliver more accurate, confident maternal care during village health days, even in low-resource settings.
Impact:
✔️ 90% device adoption
✔️ 50% reduction in data heaping
✔️ 7% more high-risk pregnancies detected
✔️ Scaled from 4-block pilot to national-level adoption
NEED AND OPPURTUNITY
Context
Context
Context
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) are the face of India’s primary healthcare system, especially for expectant mothers in rural areas.
At Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Days (VHSNDs), they deliver critical antenatal services — often in resource-constrained environments, with fragmented tools and time pressures. But VHSNDs are more than routine check-ups. They are the first and often only opportunity to detect high-risk pregnancies and capture vital health data — data that feeds into national/state health systems. Yet, without reliable tools or digital systems, ANMs are often left to rely on manual entries, guesswork, and delays.
Before ANMOL Sakhi, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) faced critical gaps during antenatal care delivery at VHSNDs:
❌ Manual data entry led to errors, duplication, and delayed reporting
❌ Heaping of data (e.g., BP always 120/80) reduced diagnosis accuracy
❌ Missed high-risk pregnancies due to unreliable or delayed inputs
❌ Overwork & burnout from late-night data syncs and fragmented tools
❌ Low trust in POC devices due to lack of validation and support
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) are the face of India’s primary healthcare system, especially for expectant mothers in rural areas.
At Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Days (VHSNDs), they deliver critical antenatal services — often in resource-constrained environments, with fragmented tools and time pressures. But VHSNDs are more than routine check-ups. They are the first and often only opportunity to detect high-risk pregnancies and capture vital health data — data that feeds into national/state health systems. Yet, without reliable tools or digital systems, ANMs are often left to rely on manual entries, guesswork, and delays.
Before ANMOL Sakhi, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) faced critical gaps during antenatal care delivery at VHSNDs:
❌ Manual data entry led to errors, duplication, and delayed reporting
❌ Heaping of data (e.g., BP always 120/80) reduced diagnosis accuracy
❌ Missed high-risk pregnancies due to unreliable or delayed inputs
❌ Overwork & burnout from late-night data syncs and fragmented tools
❌ Low trust in POC devices due to lack of validation and support
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) are the face of India’s primary healthcare system, especially for expectant mothers in rural areas.
At Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Days (VHSNDs), they deliver critical antenatal services — often in resource-constrained environments, with fragmented tools and time pressures. But VHSNDs are more than routine check-ups. They are the first and often only opportunity to detect high-risk pregnancies and capture vital health data — data that feeds into national/state health systems. Yet, without reliable tools or digital systems, ANMs are often left to rely on manual entries, guesswork, and delays.
Before ANMOL Sakhi, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) faced critical gaps during antenatal care delivery at VHSNDs:
❌ Manual data entry led to errors, duplication, and delayed reporting
❌ Heaping of data (e.g., BP always 120/80) reduced diagnosis accuracy
❌ Missed high-risk pregnancies due to unreliable or delayed inputs
❌ Overwork & burnout from late-night data syncs and fragmented tools
❌ Low trust in POC devices due to lack of validation and support
Design Oppurtunity
Design Oppurtunity
Design Oppurtunity
“How can we empower ANMs with reliable, easy-to-use technology that ensures accurate, real-time data capture, improves high-risk pregnancy identification, and fits naturally into their day-to-day workflow?”
“How can we empower ANMs with reliable, easy-to-use technology that ensures accurate, real-time data capture, improves high-risk pregnancy identification, and fits naturally into their day-to-day workflow?”
DESIGN SOLUTION
Designing for trust, ease, and field-readiness
A compact, portable kit designed for ANMs — includes all Point-of-care devices, supplies, and job aids for antenatal care delivery at VHSNDs, including 5 IoT-enabled devices integrated into the state application that help track key high-risk pregnancy indicators.
IoT Integrated Devices included:
• Digital Weighing Scale - for identifying underweight or overweight pregnancies
• Hemoglobinometer - for detecting anemia (mild to severe)
• Blood Pressure Monitor - for screening pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
• Glucometer - for managing gestational diabetes risk
• Fetal Heart Rate Monitor - for assessing fetal well-being
DESIGN PROCESS AND ITERATIONS
Grounded in Reality. Driven by Design.
We followed a Design Thinking approach that went beyond workshops — deeply embedded in field realities, continuous iteration, and system-level problem solving.
Grounded in Reality. Driven by Design.
We followed a Design Thinking approach that went beyond workshops — deeply embedded in field realities, continuous iteration, and system-level problem solving.
Grounded in Reality. Driven by Design.
We followed a Design Thinking approach that went beyond workshops — deeply embedded in field realities, continuous iteration, and system-level problem solving.
Constraints in Low-Resource Settings
Constraints in Low-Resource Settings
Constraints in Low-Resource Settings
Designing for VHSND-level maternal care meant confronting limitations that shaped every design choice:
• Older ANMs with low tech familiarity — required intuitive, non-intimidating flows
• Unreliable connectivity in certain areas — app needed to work offline with minimal sync issues
• Legacy infrastructure — the app was built on older government codebases with limited UI flexibility and backend customisation
• Time pressure during VHSNDs — workflows had to be fast, simple, and fail-safe
• Low trust in devices — required validation, real-time feedback, and reassurance
Equipped Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) with an IoT-enabled care kit designed to work with the government’s existing ANM app — helping frontline workers deliver more accurate, confident maternal care during village health days, even in low-resource settings.
Impact:
✔️ 90% device adoption
✔️ 50% reduction in data heaping
✔️ 7% more high-risk pregnancies detected
✔️ Scaled from 4-block pilot to national-level adoption
Designing for VHSND-level maternal care meant confronting limitations that shaped every design choice:
• Older ANMs with low tech familiarity — required intuitive, non-intimidating flows
• Unreliable connectivity in certain areas — app needed to work offline with minimal sync issues
• Legacy infrastructure — the app was built on older government codebases with limited UI flexibility and backend customisation
• Time pressure during VHSNDs — workflows had to be fast, simple, and fail-safe
• Low trust in devices — required validation, real-time feedback, and reassurance
DESIGN SOLUTION
Designing for trust, ease, and field-readiness
Designing for trust, ease, and field-readiness
A compact, portable kit designed for ANMs — includes all Point-of-care devices, supplies, and job aids for antenatal care delivery at VHSNDs, including 5 IoT-enabled devices integrated into the state application that help track key high-risk pregnancy indicators.
IoT Integrated Devices included:
• Digital Weighing Scale - for identifying underweight or overweight pregnancies
• Hemoglobinometer - for detecting anemia (mild to severe)
• Blood Pressure Monitor - for screening pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
• Glucometer - for managing gestational diabetes risk
• Fetal Heart Rate Monitor - for assessing fetal well-being
A compact, portable kit designed for ANMs — includes all Point-of-care devices, supplies, and job aids for antenatal care delivery at VHSNDs, including 5 IoT-enabled devices integrated into the state application that help track key high-risk pregnancy indicators.
IoT Integrated Devices included:
• Digital Weighing Scale - for identifying underweight or overweight pregnancies
• Hemoglobinometer - for detecting anemia (mild to severe)
• Blood Pressure Monitor - for screening pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
• Glucometer - for managing gestational diabetes risk
• Fetal Heart Rate Monitor - for assessing fetal well-being
Built with ANMs. Designed for the system. Proven in the field.
Built with ANMs. Designed for the system. Proven in the field.
Built with ANMs. Designed for the system. Proven in the field.
1. ANMOL Sakhi Kit
• All essentials in one portable bag
• 5 IoT-enabled diagnostic devices + job aids
• Ready for use at any VHSND site
2. Smart Device Integration into state mobile application
• Step-by-step Bluetooth pairing in local language
• Visual feedback for errors or success
• Works fully offline, syncs when network is available
3. Humanized Training
• 2-day hands-on, simulation-based sessions
• Observation checklists and peer demos
• Designed for confidence, especially among older ANMs
4. Real-Time Monitoring
• Power BI dashboards tracking adoption and accuracy
• Weekly field reporting (JODK)
• Enabled responsive retraining and support visits
5. Motivational Strategies
• Recognition through certificates and public appreciation
• Positive reinforcement by BMOs and district teams
• Increased morale and consistency in device usage
6. System-Level Engagement
• Regular reviews with CHOs, BMOs, and state health officials
• Feedback loop from ANMs to system via dashboards and visits
• Aligned with NHM priorities — enabling scale and ownership
1. ANMOL Sakhi Kit
• All essentials in one portable bag
• 5 IoT-enabled diagnostic devices + job aids
• Ready for use at any VHSND site
2. Smart Device Integration into state mobile application
• Step-by-step Bluetooth pairing in local language
• Visual feedback for errors or success
• Works fully offline, syncs when network is available
3. Humanized Training
• 2-day hands-on, simulation-based sessions
• Observation checklists and peer demos
• Designed for confidence, especially among older ANMs
4. Real-Time Monitoring
• Power BI dashboards tracking adoption and accuracy
• Weekly field reporting (JODK)
• Enabled responsive retraining and support visits
5. Motivational Strategies
• Recognition through certificates and public appreciation
• Positive reinforcement by BMOs and district teams
• Increased morale and consistency in device usage
6. System-Level Engagement
• Regular reviews with CHOs, BMOs, and state health officials
• Feedback loop from ANMs to system via dashboards and visits
• Aligned with NHM priorities — enabling scale and ownership
1. ANMOL Sakhi Kit
• All essentials in one portable bag
• 5 IoT-enabled diagnostic devices + job aids
• Ready for use at any VHSND site
2. Smart Device Integration into state mobile application
• Step-by-step Bluetooth pairing in local language
• Visual feedback for errors or success
• Works fully offline, syncs when network is available
3. Humanized Training
• 2-day hands-on, simulation-based sessions
• Observation checklists and peer demos
• Designed for confidence, especially among older ANMs
4. Real-Time Monitoring
• Power BI dashboards tracking adoption and accuracy
• Weekly field reporting (JODK)
• Enabled responsive retraining and support visits
5. Motivational Strategies
• Recognition through certificates and public appreciation
• Positive reinforcement by BMOs and district teams
• Increased morale and consistency in device usage
6. System-Level Engagement
• Regular reviews with CHOs, BMOs, and state health officials
• Feedback loop from ANMs to system via dashboards and visits
• Aligned with NHM priorities — enabling scale and ownership
User voices from the field
User voices from the field
User voices from the field
SCALE, IMPACT AND LEARNINGS
Impact
Impact
Impact
📊 Field Outcomes (in pilot blocks):
• 90%+ device adoption by ANMs
• 40–60% reduction in data heaping (BP, Hb, weight)
• +7% increase in high-risk pregnancy detection
• Significant improvement in work-life balance (less late-night data entry)
🏛️ System-Level Outcome:
• NHM approved scale-up for scale in pilot state.
• National level Directive Order for Creation of standardized comprehensive kits for all health cadres.
📊 Field Outcomes (in pilot blocks):
• 90%+ device adoption by ANMs
• 40–60% reduction in data heaping (BP, Hb, weight)
• +7% increase in high-risk pregnancy detection
• Significant improvement in work-life balance (less late-night data entry)
🏛️ System-Level Outcome:
• NHM approved scale-up for scale in pilot state.
• National level Directive Order for Creation of standardized comprehensive kits for all health cadres.
📊 Field Outcomes (in pilot blocks):
• 90%+ device adoption by ANMs
• 40–60% reduction in data heaping (BP, Hb, weight)
• +7% increase in high-risk pregnancy detection
• Significant improvement in work-life balance (less late-night data entry)
🏛️ System-Level Outcome:
• NHM approved scale-up for scale in pilot state.
• National level Directive Order for Creation of standardized comprehensive kits for all health cadres.
Key Learnings
Key Learnings
Key Learnings
Design for trust, not just usability: Clear visual cues, responsive devices, and predictable flows helped ANMs feel in control — and confident in their own ability to deliver care. Even the most hesitant users — especially older ANMs — adapted quickly when the tools fit seamlessly into their daily routine.
Field-first design means offline-first thinking: Connectivity can't be assumed. Every action — from data entry to device pairing — had to succeed without the internet. Designing offline-first wasn’t just a feature choice, it was a reality check. It ensured the tools worked exactly where they were needed most.
Emotional ease is part of good UX: Confidence grows when training is safe, feedback is supportive, and mistakes are part of learning — not reasons to disengage.
System alignment fuels sustainability: It wasn’t enough to help the ANM. The solution had to make sense for BMOs, CHOs, and dashboard viewers too. Designs that fit neatly into reporting structures, supervision systems, and government priorities are the ones that last beyond pilots.
Recognition fuels consistency: Motivational strategies like certificates and public appreciation had a real impact — reinforcing usage through pride, not pressure.
Equipped Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) with an IoT-enabled care kit designed to work with the government’s existing ANM app — helping frontline workers deliver more accurate, confident maternal care during village health days, even in low-resource settings.
Impact:
✔️ 90% device adoption
✔️ 50% reduction in data heaping
✔️ 7% more high-risk pregnancies detected
✔️ Scaled from 4-block pilot to national-level adoption
Design for trust, not just usability: Clear visual cues, responsive devices, and predictable flows helped ANMs feel in control — and confident in their own ability to deliver care. Even the most hesitant users — especially older ANMs — adapted quickly when the tools fit seamlessly into their daily routine.
Field-first design means offline-first thinking: Connectivity can't be assumed. Every action — from data entry to device pairing — had to succeed without the internet. Designing offline-first wasn’t just a feature choice, it was a reality check. It ensured the tools worked exactly where they were needed most.
Emotional ease is part of good UX: Confidence grows when training is safe, feedback is supportive, and mistakes are part of learning — not reasons to disengage.
System alignment fuels sustainability: It wasn’t enough to help the ANM. The solution had to make sense for BMOs, CHOs, and dashboard viewers too. Designs that fit neatly into reporting structures, supervision systems, and government priorities are the ones that last beyond pilots.
Recognition fuels consistency: Motivational strategies like certificates and public appreciation had a real impact — reinforcing usage through pride, not pressure.
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Copyright 2025 by Snehashri Panda
Copyright 2025 by Snehashri Panda
Copyright 2025 by Snehashri Panda