THE USE OF mHEALTH TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND RE-DUCE COST OF HEALTHCARE IN RURAL KENYA
Odhiambo, Evans (2017)
Avaa tiedosto
Lataukset:
Odhiambo, Evans
Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
2017
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2017112818607
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2017112818607
Tiivistelmä
Background: The use of wireless technologies such as mobile phones in healthcare is referred to as mHealth. The young field has the potential to improve the well-being of the world’s population. Although the use of mobile phones and other communication devices in providing education on preventive healthcare is the major application of mHealth, other applications do occur. These include the use of mHealth to track management of chronic diseases, epidemic outbreak, treatment support, and in disease surveillance.
Aim and Objectives: This literature search was carried out with an aim of exploring how mHealth is being used in the improvement of healthcare as well as in reduction of costs in Rural Kenya. Kenya has one of the most advanced environments for mobile technology in the developing world but is faced by challenges in healthcare accessibility, affordability, functionality, and quality.
Methods: An integrative review of literature as method was used to analyze and critique existing literature in line with the topic of this study. Diffusion of innovations is applied as a background theory to generate themes using qualitative research practices
Results: Adoption challenges of mHealth remain high in rural Kenya due to poor distribution of resources across the country. The infrastructure for mHealth is improving due to good mobile technology network coverage but poor regulation and privacy laws, poverty and literacy levels can hinder its realization and adequate implementation. The study has explored the remedies to these challenges and the associated benefits.
Conclusion: Since the adoption challenges can be remedied, it is feasible to implement mHealth in rural Kenya to solve the identified health challenges.
Aim and Objectives: This literature search was carried out with an aim of exploring how mHealth is being used in the improvement of healthcare as well as in reduction of costs in Rural Kenya. Kenya has one of the most advanced environments for mobile technology in the developing world but is faced by challenges in healthcare accessibility, affordability, functionality, and quality.
Methods: An integrative review of literature as method was used to analyze and critique existing literature in line with the topic of this study. Diffusion of innovations is applied as a background theory to generate themes using qualitative research practices
Results: Adoption challenges of mHealth remain high in rural Kenya due to poor distribution of resources across the country. The infrastructure for mHealth is improving due to good mobile technology network coverage but poor regulation and privacy laws, poverty and literacy levels can hinder its realization and adequate implementation. The study has explored the remedies to these challenges and the associated benefits.
Conclusion: Since the adoption challenges can be remedied, it is feasible to implement mHealth in rural Kenya to solve the identified health challenges.