Background Social Innovation in Health Initiative Philippines introduced the community engagement self-monitoring (CE-SM) strategy in two community-managed social innovations in 2021. The first phase demonstrated the viability of the strategy which involved identification of community “local monitors” (LM), selection of indicators, monitoring, and feedback sessions. In 2022, a second phase was implemented to improve the process by integrating capacity-building activities and to gather insights regarding the sustainability of the strategy.
Methods Two communities in a rural island municipality implementing a social innovation called the “Seal of Health Governance” were chosen for the extended CE-SM pilot. Profiling of local monitors and self-assessment of competencies were facilitated. Capacity-building activities and praxis sessions guided by people-centered principles were conducted in between the actual implementation of the monitoring process. Topics discussed included principles of community engagement and approaches to data processing and analysis. Discussions on how local monitors can make sense of their data and how these can inform decision-making were also conducted.
Results Local monitors from both communities showed determination in performing their responsibilities but differed in levels of participation. Their appreciation of their role increased as it broadened from merely collecting data to understanding and using it to advocate for their community’s needs. The minimum requirements for communities to implement the strategy include financial mechanisms to provide transportation and food allowance and ensure the availability of resources. Profiling of local monitors revealed that a high educational attainment is not a prerequisite but rather, active participation in initiatives is integral. Moreover, having good communication and social skills, and familiarity with the community are deemed to be important qualities local monitors must possess. Lastly, it was also observed that local monitors improved their ability to analyze the realities of their communities particularly in terms of health leadership and governance.
Conclusions CE-SM is a feasible and sustainable strategy for monitoring and evaluating health interventions if adequate support in the form of supplies, allowances, and political support are provided, and complemented by capacity-building and praxis sessions. It promotes listening to the community and empowering them to participate in decision-making which are vital in fostering ownership and sustainability of social innovations in health.