Prospects of Mhealth on Improving Non Communicable Chronic Disease Management in Addis Ababa: The Case of Public Hospitals Owned By Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction: Mobile Health is not a new technology today, but is a novel approach for
Ethiopia, and in fact, has more profound impact on the country due to unmet demands for health
and unprecedented health related challenges. Mobile Health could potentially reduce waiting
times for patients, reduce the cost of the health system‟s operations, improve interdepartmental,
inter-clinical communication and collaboration, improve Health Management Information
System, improve self health management and enhance better resource allocation for the Chronic
Disease care sector.
Objective: This study explores the prospects of Mobile Health on improving Non Communicable
Chronic Disease Management in Addis Ababa Health Bureau Owned Hospitals in order to
highlight the current status of mHealth, level of mHealth knowledge and the attitudes towards
mHealth among the healthcare providers, other professionals and patients in Ethiopia.
Methodology: The study follows a descriptive cross – sectional study employing quantitative
methods using self administered questionnaire and qualitative method using a key informant
interview between the months of March and May 2013. A total of 403 respondents consisting of
IT professionals, health professionals and patients are involved to depict the prospect of mHealth
on improving non communicable chronic disease management in Addis Ababa. Qualitative data is
collected by key informant interview supported by questionnaire held. Data analysis is done using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.
Results: The study reveals that healthcare providers, patients and other professionals in the health
facilities had low mHealth knowledge level. The health facilities are not sufficiently furnished for
implementing mHealth. However, health institutes‟ professionals have positive attitude towards
mHealth and its application for non communicable chronic disease management. Based on the
findings I have developed mHealth prototype which can improve non communicable chronic
disease management.
Conclusions and Recommendations: The findings indicate there needs to train professionals and
establish policy framework about mHealth. It is, therefore, recommended that Addis Ababa City
Administration Health Bureau and Ministry of Health should allocate sufficient resources to
implement mHealth.Keywords
eHealth, Mobile Health, Chronic Disease, Non Communicable Chronic Disease, Chronic Disease
Management, Mobile Technologies, Prototype, Information and Communication Technology.
Description
Keywords
eHealth, Mobile Health, Chronic Disease, Non Communicable Chronic Disease, Chronic Disease Management, Mobile Technologies, Prototype, Information and Communication Technology