Remote area health workers perceptions about mHealth Initiative 'Talk for Life in Ghanzi, Botswana

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mobile phones and recent technological advancements have impacted our lives and ability to communicate from almost anywhere in the world. A wide range of mobile devices has contributed to the evolution of health system transformation with the mHealth movement, enabling mobile health service delivery. This qualitative study explores health workers perceptions of mHealth pilot initiative 'Talk for Life in the remote areas of Ghanzi, Botswana. Health workers utilization, reaction, perceived improvements in service delivery and recommendations for future developments are discussed with the intention to inform interventions for increased equitable access to healthcare in the remote areas of Botswana.Results of the study revealed remote area health workers have a need to utilize consistent mobile telecommunication to provide adequate patient care. Initial experiences with the 'Talk for Life pilot mHealth initiative confirm positive opinions with the use of the closed user group mobile phone network. The majority of health workers cite using the phones every day for diagnosis, patient management, emergency assistance, referral and follow up. Despite the numerous challenges with vast distance between health facilities, limited infrastructure and slow development in the remote areas of Botswana, mobile phones allow for immediate communication that surpasses such obstacles. Improvements in service delivery and recommendations to expand, replicate and further advance the mHealth pilot into a more comprehensive telemedicine based solution are presented.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University