Learning from a Kenyan Village
Recently, international health researchers discovered a village in Kenya that had significantly better health scores than similar villages elsewhere in the country. A team was sent to find out why. They saw the same lack of resources, the same social conditions, and the same health issues. So, what was the difference? Then they witnessed the local doctor meeting with a young girl. He used a worn notebook as a health record to chart the visit notes and then something interesting happened. At the end of the appointment, he gave the book to the girl. It was her health record, not his. And when she saw the next caregiver, she could share the book and receive the coordinated care that ensured her health, not simply the specific condition, was looked after. She owned her record, and thus, her health. And the difference in her health, as well as everyone in the village, was dramatic.