Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems

Abstract Background mHealth presents innovative approaches to enhance primary healthcare delivery in developing countries like Botswana. The impact of mHealth solutions can be improved if they are interoperable with eRecord systems such as electronic health records, electronic medical records and pa...

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Main Authors: Kagiso Ndlovu, Maurice Mars, Richard E. Scott
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-05-01
Series:BMC Health Services Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06473-6
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author Kagiso Ndlovu
Maurice Mars
Richard E. Scott
author_facet Kagiso Ndlovu
Maurice Mars
Richard E. Scott
author_sort Kagiso Ndlovu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background mHealth presents innovative approaches to enhance primary healthcare delivery in developing countries like Botswana. The impact of mHealth solutions can be improved if they are interoperable with eRecord systems such as electronic health records, electronic medical records and patient health records. eHealth interoperability frameworks exist but their availability and utility for linking mHealth solutions to eRecords in developing world settings like Botswana is unknown. The recently adopted eHealth Strategy for Botswana recognises interoperability as an issue and mHealth as a potential solution for some healthcare needs, but does not address linking the two. Aim This study reviewed published reviews of eHealth interoperability frameworks for linking mHealth solutions with eRecords, and assessed their relevance to informing interoperability efforts with respect to Botswana’s eHealth Strategy. Methods A structured literature review and analysis of published reviews of eHealth interoperability frameworks was performed to determine if any are relevant to linking mHealth with eRecords. The Botswanan eHealth Strategy was reviewed. Results Four articles presented and reviewed eHealth interoperability frameworks that support linking of mHealth interventions to eRecords and associated implementation strategies. While the frameworks were developed for specific circumstances and therefore were based upon varying assumptions and perspectives, they entailed aspects that are relevant and could be drawn upon when developing an mHealth interoperability framework for Botswana. Common emerging themes of infrastructure, interoperability standards, data security and usability were identified and discussed; all of which are important in the developing world context such as in Botswana. The Botswana eHealth Strategy recognises interoperability, mHealth, and eRecords as distinct issues, but not linking of mHealth solutions with eRecords. Conclusions Delivery of healthcare is shifting from hospital-based to patient-centered primary healthcare and community-based settings, using mHealth interventions. The impact of mHealth solutions can be improved if data generated from them are converted into digital information ready for transmission and incorporation into eRecord systems. The Botswana eHealth Strategy stresses the need to have interoperable eRecords, but mHealth solutions must not be left out. Literature insight about mHealth interoperability with eRecords can inform implementation strategies for Botswana and elsewhere.
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spelling doaj.art-49c6870abc53469ca652d1f20e56ce2a2022-12-21T21:38:10ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632021-05-0121111010.1186/s12913-021-06473-6Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systemsKagiso Ndlovu0Maurice Mars1Richard E. Scott2Department of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-NatalDepartment of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-NatalDepartment of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-NatalAbstract Background mHealth presents innovative approaches to enhance primary healthcare delivery in developing countries like Botswana. The impact of mHealth solutions can be improved if they are interoperable with eRecord systems such as electronic health records, electronic medical records and patient health records. eHealth interoperability frameworks exist but their availability and utility for linking mHealth solutions to eRecords in developing world settings like Botswana is unknown. The recently adopted eHealth Strategy for Botswana recognises interoperability as an issue and mHealth as a potential solution for some healthcare needs, but does not address linking the two. Aim This study reviewed published reviews of eHealth interoperability frameworks for linking mHealth solutions with eRecords, and assessed their relevance to informing interoperability efforts with respect to Botswana’s eHealth Strategy. Methods A structured literature review and analysis of published reviews of eHealth interoperability frameworks was performed to determine if any are relevant to linking mHealth with eRecords. The Botswanan eHealth Strategy was reviewed. Results Four articles presented and reviewed eHealth interoperability frameworks that support linking of mHealth interventions to eRecords and associated implementation strategies. While the frameworks were developed for specific circumstances and therefore were based upon varying assumptions and perspectives, they entailed aspects that are relevant and could be drawn upon when developing an mHealth interoperability framework for Botswana. Common emerging themes of infrastructure, interoperability standards, data security and usability were identified and discussed; all of which are important in the developing world context such as in Botswana. The Botswana eHealth Strategy recognises interoperability, mHealth, and eRecords as distinct issues, but not linking of mHealth solutions with eRecords. Conclusions Delivery of healthcare is shifting from hospital-based to patient-centered primary healthcare and community-based settings, using mHealth interventions. The impact of mHealth solutions can be improved if data generated from them are converted into digital information ready for transmission and incorporation into eRecord systems. The Botswana eHealth Strategy stresses the need to have interoperable eRecords, but mHealth solutions must not be left out. Literature insight about mHealth interoperability with eRecords can inform implementation strategies for Botswana and elsewhere.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06473-6mHealtheRecordsInteroperability FrameworksStandardseHealth StrategyBotswana
spellingShingle Kagiso Ndlovu
Maurice Mars
Richard E. Scott
Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems
BMC Health Services Research
mHealth
eRecords
Interoperability Frameworks
Standards
eHealth Strategy
Botswana
title Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems
title_full Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems
title_fullStr Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems
title_full_unstemmed Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems
title_short Interoperability frameworks linking mHealth applications to electronic record systems
title_sort interoperability frameworks linking mhealth applications to electronic record systems
topic mHealth
eRecords
Interoperability Frameworks
Standards
eHealth Strategy
Botswana
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06473-6
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