A framework for enhancing adoption of health care services in rural areas using mobile health technology

Abstract

This research proposes to design a framework for enhancing the adoption of healthcare services in rural areas through the use of mobile health (mHealth) technology. The research conducted as a case study in rural health centers within Moyo district with the aim of exploring the implementation, adoption and acceptance of mobile health technology solutions in improving healthcare delivery and accessibility to healthcare services and reducing healthcare disparities in resource-limited rural communities of Moyo district. A number of research methods such as survey questions, interviews and focus group discussions among others were used to collect data for analysis and understanding of the impact of mobile health in the district. The study identified key factors affecting the wide adoption of mHealth services among healthcare providers and patients. However; challenges such as limited infrastructures and connectivity, digital literacy, reluctant government policies and usability of the mobile systems have affected the adoption in these areas, poor mobile network coverage, poor road networks and poverty in the location of Gbwari and Afogi among others within Moyo district significantly impacted on communication and mHealth effectiveness. Additionally, responses to interviews were slow in these locations that were more affected and adoption of mHealth among some respondents was limited. Despite the identified challenges, the research findings highlight the potential of mobile Health technologies in bridging healthcare barriers, improving service delivery and health outcomes where feasible. This framework emphasized the need to address infrastructure and connectivity, prioritize user training and centered approaches and other adoption barriers for policymakers and healthcare providers with the aim of leveraging mHealth in rural communities in Uganda