Journal of Health Informatics in Africa (J Health Inform Afr) is an official journal of the Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA) published by Koegni-eHealth Innovation for Development
The User Experience of an Electronic Medical Record: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Public Health Sector of the Western Cape, South Africa
Background and Purpose: The Electronic Continuity of Care Record (eCCR) is a web-based Electronic Medical Record commissioned and implemented by the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness department in 2015 for all 53 public hospitals in the province to capture medical records of patients. While there has been previous research into the quality of clinical coding capture within the eCCR, there has not yet been a formal evaluation of end users’ experience (UX) of the application. This study is the first to formally evaluate the user experience of an eHealth application in the public sector in the Western Cape. This study evaluated the user experience of the eCCR end users in terms of its attractiveness, pragmatic qualities (efficiency, perspicuity, dependability) and hedonic qualities (stimulation, novelty), describes the characteristics of end users and explores associations between user characteristics and the UX of eCCR. Methods: A validated UX Questionnaire survey was made available online to evaluate the eCCR user experience. An invitation and link to the survey was added on the eCCR landing webpage specifically to target users of the application. Response data were collected over three months from June to August 2023 using 26 UEQ questions that comprised Lickert-type scales of 1-7 to rate experience. The mean was determined for each scale. Mean scale values > 0,80 represented a positive experience. Values between -0.80 and 0.80 represented neutral experience while values < -0,80 represented a negative experience. Results: There were 201 participants in this study. The question (item) response means were combined per scale: attractiveness=0.87, perspicuity=1.32, dependability=0.88, stimulation=0.76, efficiency and novelty reported low means of 0.55 and 0.30 respectively. Conclusion: The User Experience UX evaluation indicated that the eCCR was an easy-to-learn and understandable web-based application, the end users reported it was valuable, secure, enjoyable, and met user expectations. The overall attractiveness of application was positive. The pragmatic qualities of the eCCR were rated higher than the hedonic qualities. The study indicated that the eCCR can be strengthened with regard to its innovative and creative features to improve upon the experience scales related to novelty, as well as its efficiency.
© Journal of Health Informatics in Africa 2024
The Journal of Health Informatics in Africa (JHIA) is dedicated to publishing innovative, high-quality research that explores the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to address healthcare challenges in Africa. To maintain the journal’s integrity and commitment to originality, all submissions undergo a meticulous screening process. As part of this process, a Turnitin report is generated for each manuscript before it is assigned to reviewers. Only submissions with a Turnitin similarity index below 15% are considered for review. Manuscripts exceeding this threshold are promptly rejected. We urge authors to ensure their work is both original and unpublished prior to submission. Once a manuscript qualifies for review, it is subjected to a rigorous double-blind peer review process. This review determines whether the submission will be accepted, revised, or rejected. For manuscripts that are accepted, a second round of peer review is often required. Authors must carefully address the reviewers’ feedback and resubmit their revised manuscript for further evaluation. Final acceptance is granted only when both the reviewers and the editorial team are fully satisfied with the revisions, ensuring the publication of work that meets the highest scholarly standards. This issue features six insightful papers: Chumba, Waema, and Ochieng conducted a scoping review of 29 studies on Health Information Technology governance, highlighting its mechanisms, applications in hospital and national healthcare systems, and identifying gaps in community-level governance and alignment practices. Ssegujja, Msanjila, and Shao conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate frameworks for maternal e-service delivery in resource-constrained settings, highlighting limitations in current approaches, such as reliance on traditional methods, and proposing a conceptual framework to enhance maternal healthcare through technology-driven solutions. Ogundare demonstrated that tree-based machine learning models, particularly random forest and bagging classifiers, outperform non-tree-based algorithms in accurately subtyping renal cell carcinoma using RNA-seq gene expression data, highlighting their potential for improving personalized cancer treatment. Mwesigwa, Nakibuuka, Wanyana, Waiswa, Serubugo, and Tumwesigye evaluated the usability of a DHIS2-based cancer reporting system at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, finding it improved access to comprehensive cancer data with a high usability score, and recommending its scale-up to other regional hospitals. Gokula Chandar, Shanmugam, Vijayakumar, Sugumaran, Senthil, and Srinivasulu and Lakshmi developed a Smart Medical System using LoRaWAN and ESP32 microcontrollers to securely monitor and transmit encrypted health data in real-time, enabling remote access and efficient alerts for caregivers and doctors. Boateng, Agyapong, Dorson, Avuglah, and Nigre utilized a Random Forest model to predict malaria outbreaks in Ghanaian children under five, achieving strong accuracy while identifying regional disparities and emphasizing the potential of machine learning for targeted public health interventions. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the editorial team, authors, and peer reviewers for their unwavering dedication and efforts in bringing this issue to fruition. I also invite health informatics researchers to connect with me regarding opportunities to join JHIA's esteemed panel of reviewers. Your expertise and insights are vital in upholding the rigorous standards and excellence that define the research published in our journal. Thank you for your continued support of JHIA. Nicky Mostert June 2025
© Journal of Health Informatics in Africa 2025
The Journal of Health Informatics in Africa is the official journal of the Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA) and publishes the proceedings of the HELINA conferences, as well as open-call issues. This issue is an open-call issue comprising of seven double blind peer reviewed papers submitted directly to the journal. Papers written in French are also published by the journal, and this issue includes one French paper. The year 2023 celebrates the 10th year since the first publication of a JHIA issue and as we celebrate this milestone we are continuously working on improving the quality of the journal. This issue includes the following papers: The paper by Osembe, Adebesin, and Smuts utilise thematic analysis to examine themes around the opportunities for digital innovation in healthcare. Author Nyarko recommends strategies to promote artificial intelligence adoption in healthcare decision-making among Ghanaian tertiary students. In the paper by Mohsam an analysis of nurses’ lived experience with digital health technologies in practice is shared. Key competencies for different levels of study and design considerations for a Health Informatics course are identified by authors Bhebe, De La Harpe, Kaura, and Kabaso. Author Awami evaluates users’ acceptance of a computer-based health information system at Benghazi diabetes centre. The paper by Abotsi, Agbemafleb, and Ayimeyc highlights positive outcomes and challenges associated with electronic health records systems at a Ghanaian hospital. The French paper by authors Randimbison, Rainibarijaona, Rajaonarison, and Rabenja highlights the impacts of a low-cost software for automated interpretation of fetal heart rate developed for the use in remote areas in low-income countries such as Madagascar. I would like to extend a very special thank you to the editorial team, authors, and peer-reviewers that made this issue possible. Nicky Mostert March 2024
Data Precision and Timeliness of Paper versus Software-Assisted Nursing Documentation: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis
Background and Purpose: The nursing industry has progressively transitioned from paper-assisted documentation practices to software-assisted systems. Such a transition raises debates about its implications on the timeliness and precision of documented nursing data. This rapid review and meta-analysis examined existing literature on the effect of paper and software-assisted documentation systems on documentation precision and timeliness. Methods: Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, this review and meta-analysis examined studies published in the past 50 years (1973 to 2023) and available in PubMed electronic database. The search methodology combined free-text search terms with Boolean operators for a more precise and sensitive search. Results: The review and meta-analysis selected 15 studies from a pool of 314 articles after applying set inclusion criteria. The synthesis of evidence revealed that Software-assisted nursing documentation systems enhanced by twofold the precision of documented nursing data (Overall random effect Odds Ratio: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.32-4.17; p = < 0.010). Software-assisted nursing documentation systems reduced time spent on nursing documentation by nine minutes but was not significant (Overall random effects mean difference = 9.14 minutes; p = 0.330). Conclusions: Software-assisted nursing documentation is valuable for enhancing nursing documentation precision but not timeliness. This study recommends software-assisted nursing documentation systems for improving the precision of nursing documentation.
User Engagement with Mobile Health Applications for Self-management of Diabetes: A Principal Component Analysis Approach
Background and Purpose: Diabetes is a non-communicable disease that can arise from a genetic predisposition or develop due to the unhealthy lifestyle of an individual. mHealth applications (apps) can potentially revolutionise diabetes management by empowering people diagnosed with diabetes to take better control of their condition and promoting effective self-management. User engagement and sustained usage are critical determinants of mHealth apps’ success. While user engagement has been studied, detailed guidelines for developing applications that meet engagement requirements are limited. This study reported in this paper investigated the applicability of the User Engagement Scale (UES) in evaluating user engagement with a mHealth app for diabetes self-management. Methods: A 30-item UES questionnaire was distributed through Diabetes South Africa (DSA), a non-governmental organization that supports and advocates for people living with diabetes in South Africa. Participants, who are either diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, rated their agreement with each statement in the UES using a 5-point Likert scale. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted on 55 responses to evaluate the UES’s dimensionality. Results: PCA suitability was confirmed by the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of 0.650 and a significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity, χ2(435) = 1124.16, p < 0.001. A new factor, Incentive, emerged by combining Aesthetic Appeal and Reward, which impacted user engagement. Additionally, Focused Attention and Perceived Usability were identified as significant predictors of user engagement. A revised 25-item scale was produced after five items were removed due to low factor loadings. Conclusions: This study validated the UES in a mHealth app context among South African participants, suggesting that the three-factor, 25-item solution is effective in evaluating user engagement in mHealth application settings.
© Journal of Health Informatics in Africa 2026
Rapid Retinopathy Detection using Ablation-Guided Deep Learning
Retinal fundus images have the challenge of differentiating the stages of diabetic retinopathy, often causing confusion between proliferative retinopathy to severe retinopathy or no retinopathy to mild retinopathy. Without developing complex technologies, human accuracy differed across image datasets. By using a deep learning CNN as the feature extractor and machine learning classifiers, this study achieved a remarkable accuracy of 91%. The ablation study utilised VGG16, Resnet152V2, and Xception as feature extractors together with Random Forests and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) classifiers. The best performance was achieved with Xception as the feature extractor and as the classifier Random Forest.
A Tree-based Machine Learning Approach for Precise Renal Cell Carcinoma Subtyping using RNA-seq Gene Expression Data
Background and Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant neoplasm of the kidneys, characterized by distinct molecular and histological subtypes. Accurate subtyping is crucial for personalized treatment and improved patient outcomes. High-throughput sequencing has enabled precise gene expression profiling for cancer classification. This study compares tree-based and non-tree-based machine learning algorithms for differentiating between gene expression profiles of chromophobe, clear cell, and papillary RCCs. Methods: RNA-seq data from a diverse cohort of patients diagnosed with these three cancer subtypes was used. Data preprocessing and normalization were performed, followed by feature selection using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Tree-based and non-tree-based algorithms were trained on the preprocessed data. The tree-based algorithms included decision tree, random forest, extra trees classifier, and bagging classifier. The non-tree-based algorithms included logistic regression, support vector machine, and naive bayes. Each algorithm was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and AUC. Results: Tree-based algorithms demonstrated superior performance across all evaluation metrics compared to non-tree-based algorithms. Specifically, the random forest classifier achieved the highest specificity and F1 score, the decision tree classifier achieved the highest sensitivity, while the bagging classifier achieved the highest AUC score. In contrast, non-tree-based algorithms showed comparatively lower performance in distinguishing between the cancer subtypes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of machine learning, particularly tree-based models, for precise RCC subtyping. By leveraging tree-based models, we can effectively capture the complex, non-linear patterns in gene expression datasets. Future studies should aim to validate these findings across larger and more diverse datasets of RCC subtypes.
Trust And Access in Telemedicine - A Review
Background and Purpose: Telemedicine has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, especially in digitally marginalised populations; however, persistent challenges in access and trust limit its widespread adoption. Despite technological advancements, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these factors jointly influence telemedicine uptake in low- and middle-income contexts. Methods: This study employed a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework, analysing 32 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025 that address access and trust in telemedicine. Results: Telemedicine interventions yielded notable access gains in underserved settings, with rural reach improving by 40–75% across multiple studies. Trust outcomes, however, were less consistent, with confidence levels ranging from 44–71% and often constrained by privacy concerns, provider scepticism, and technological reliability Conclusions: This research contributes a comprehensive synthesis of empirical evidence highlighting the critical interplay between access and trust, providing actionable insights for designing user-centred, secure telemedicine systems. By addressing this dual gap, the study offers a foundation for future technological innovation and policy development aimed at equitable healthcare delivery in underserved populations.
Editorial to JHIA Vol. 12 (2025) Issue 2 Nicky Mostert Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa The Journal of Health Informatics in Africa (JHIA) continues to provide a scholarly platform for research that advances the design, implementation, governance, and evaluation of health information systems within African and comparable low- and middle-income country contexts. Volume 12, Issue 2 reflects the journal’s sustained focus on digital health adoption, health information system governance, data quality, and evidence-based decision-making, with contributions spanning empirical studies, methodological validation, governance frameworks, and systematic reviews. Collectively, the papers in this issue highlight both the transformative potential of digital health technologies and the structural, social, and data-quality challenges that continue to shape their impact. Several contributions underscore the importance of moving beyond technical implementation toward user engagement, trust, governance, and data integrity as foundational elements of sustainable digital health systems. Research by Kanny and Adebesin explores user engagement with mobile health applications for diabetes self-management within a South African context. Using a quantitative design, the study applies principal component analysis to validate the User Engagement Scale (UES) in a local mHealth setting. The findings confirm the multidimensional nature of user engagement, encompassing factors such as focused attention, perceived usability, and aesthetic appeal. The paper contributes methodologically by demonstrating the contextual applicability of an established engagement scale and substantively by reinforcing the role of user-centred design in promoting sustained mHealth use for chronic disease management. Focusing on governance at the community level, Chumba et al. examine structural mechanisms within a community-based health information system (CBHIS) using a mixed-methods approach. The study explores how governance practices influence data use, accountability, and service delivery, highlighting the importance of clearly defined roles, stakeholder participation, and coordination structures. By foregrounding community-based systems, the paper extends health informatics governance scholarship to an area that is critical for primary healthcare delivery but often underrepresented in the literature. A broader perspective on digital service delivery is provided by Alton Mabina, who present a systematic literature review on trust and access in telemedicine. Synthesising findings from 32 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025, the review shows that telemedicine initiatives frequently improve access to care, particularly in rural and underserved settings. However, sustained adoption is constrained by trust-related concerns, including privacy, data security, cultural alignment, and provider–patient relationships. The paper highlights the interdependence of access and trust and emphasises the importance of participatory, user-centred approaches in telemedicine design and implementation. Extending the discussion to a continental scale, Oladosu et al. offer a systematic review of digital health innovations across Africa, drawing on evidence from 68 studies published between 2014 and 2025. The review maps the prevalence of mHealth, telemedicine, electronic health records, and emerging artificial intelligence applications, with a strong concentration in maternal and child health, infectious disease management, and chronic care. While improvements in efficiency and service delivery are reported, persistent challenges related to infrastructure, digital literacy, financing, and regulation are identified. This paper provides a macro-level context that complements the more focused empirical studies in the issue. Issues of data integrity and health system decision-making are addressed by Tungbani and Nhlapo, who assess the quality of cause-of-death data in Ghana’s District Health Information Management System II (DHIMS II) using 2023 institutional mortality records coded with ICD-11. Applying the WHO’s ANACOD3 tool, the study reveals that non-communicable diseases account for the majority of recorded deaths, reflecting Ghana’s epidemiological transition. At the same time, substantial data quality limitations are identified, with over 30% of records classified as ill-defined or unusable “garbage codes.” The paper demonstrates how systematic quality assessment tools can identify structural weaknesses in mortality reporting and support more reliable, evidence-based health planning. In addition to the scholarly contributions presented in this issue, JHIA is pleased to announce an important change to its publication model. From January 2026, the journal will adopt a continuous publication approach, whereby articles will be published as soon as they are accepted and finalised, rather than being held for biannual issues. Historically, JHIA published two issues per year, released at six-month intervals. The move to continuous publication is intended to reduce time to publication, improve the timeliness of research dissemination, and better serve authors, readers, and the broader health informatics community. Accepted articles will continue to be organised within annual volumes, but publication will no longer be constrained by fixed issue schedules. This change aligns JHIA with evolving scholarly publishing practices and supports more responsive engagement with rapidly developing digital health and health information system research. Volume 12, Issue 2 reflects the growing maturity and diversity of health informatics research in Africa. The papers collectively emphasise that technological innovation must be accompanied by strong governance, user engagement, trust, and high-quality data to realise meaningful and sustainable health system improvements. We thank the authors, reviewers, and editorial team for their continued contributions to the journal and look forward to advancing timely, impactful scholarship through JHIA’s new continuous publication model. Nicky Mostert December 2025
Patient Perspectives on mHealth for Maternal and Pre-maternal Health Services in Resource-Constrained Settings
Background and Purpose: With the rapid evolution of computing trends and the growing use of technology in the healthcare sector, maternal healthcare delivery and accessibility require a transformative shift. However, studies indicate that the integration of technology into maternal service delivery remains slow. This is largely due to the absence of comprehensive frameworks that support diverse access to maternal electronic services (e-services), as existing scholarly work has mainly focused on maternal information provision. While such information provision has been valuable in enabling pregnant and new mothers to access appropriate educational content from accredited healthcare workers, it is predominantly delivered through text-based SMS, reflecting limited use of multimedia and mobile capabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the requirements for developing an improved and comprehensive framework for maternal e-service delivery from patients’ perspectives. Methods: This study has been conducted following the user-centred design (UCD) approach, where both pregnant and new mothers were engaged in the requirement-gathering process by responding to a questionnaire tool to understand what should be considered while developing an improved framework to comprehensively support the delivery of maternal e-services in this era, where technology is seen as a source of solutions to various aspects. The requirements centred on four themes: 1) demographic information of the participants, 2) awareness of maternal e-services, 3) assessment of the utilization of maternal e-services relative to maternal health challenges, and 4) security and privacy of data in technologically supported applications. Results: As a result, this paper reveals a set of requirements identified as potential for developing a mobile health framework to improve access to maternal healthcare through the digitized delivery of maternal services, based on patient (pregnant and new mothers) perspectives. Conclusion: This paper contributes to scholarly knowledge by identifying key requirements for developing a framework to enhance maternal healthcare access through technological solutions, particularly in settings where technology itself is a limited resource. These requirements serve as a foundation for creating interventions that have the potential to transform maternal service delivery and improve healthcare outcomes.
On 22 and 23 November, the Burundi Health Informatics Association organized the 2022 HELINA Special Topic Conference “SNCSU 2022, Digital Health Paving the Way to Universal Health Coverage” at the Royal Palace hotel in Bujumbura, focusing on the role of digital health in achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in low-income settings. The main objective of this conference was to share and capitalize on field experiences with digital tools for implementation of UHC in Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference brought together 254 participants from 13 different African countries and 48 of them attended the pre-conference workshops on “Smart glasses and telemedicine for bridging the clinical competence gaps” and “Evaluating digital health project risks and opportunities using social network analysis”. The main conference started with an overview of different national e-health strategies in African countries presented by health experts and authorities from Burundi, DRC, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Tanzania and Benin. On the first day, parallel sessions hosted presentations on (i) Data warehousing, monitoring and evaluation, (ii) Ontologies and nomenclatures and (iii) Telemedicine. The second day of the conference 3 sessions ran in parallel with contributions on (i) Hospital information management systems, (ii) Clinical decision support, (iii) Education and training in digital health, (iv) E-health enterprise architectures, (v ) demonstrations of real-world UHC solutions and finally (vi) a track with a series of presentations in English (because the main language of the conference was French). A particularly interesting keynote was addressed by the representative of the UNDP project on mental health in Mali (SANDI), more specifically on the use of telemedicine for assisting with mental health issues in remote and security constrained areas. The scientific program of the conference was in the hands of the Institute of Public Health of Burundi and the Digital Health Campus of Lubumbashi, DRC. A total of 49 abstracts, demonstrations and scientific papers were peer-reviewed by 31 reviewers which resulted in the acceptance of 38 presentations of which 2 scientific full papers. The conference strengthened the insight that digital health is pivotal in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a goal set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. The integration of digital health technologies can significantly enhance the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of healthcare services, thereby playing a critical role in meeting UHC objectives. First, digital health tools, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, especially in remote and underserved areas. These technologies enable patients to receive consultations, diagnoses, and treatment plans without the need for physical travel, thereby reducing barriers to access. Second, digital health promotes better health outcomes through improved data management and personalized care. Electronic health records (EHRs) ensure that patient data is accurately recorded and easily accessible, facilitating better coordination of care and continuity across different healthcare providers. Additionally, the use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare can lead to more precise and tailored treatments, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. Furthermore, digital health contributes to cost savings for both healthcare systems and patients. By streamlining administrative processes and reducing the need for unnecessary tests and hospital visits, digital tools can lower healthcare costs. For patients, reduced travel and quicker access to care can also mean less time off work and fewer out-of-pocket expenses. Finally, digital health fosters health education and literacy. Through online platforms and mobile apps, individuals can access reliable health information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. In summary, digital health is essential for achieving UHC as it enhances accessibility, improves quality of care, reduces costs, and empowers individuals with health knowledge. Integrating digital solutions into healthcare systems is a critical step towards ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can obtain the health services they need.
Accuracy of Cause-of-Death Classification in Ghana: Evidence from the 2023 District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) II
Abstract Background and Purpose: Accurate and reliable cause-of-death (COD) data are crucial for informing public health policy, tracking epidemiological trends, and allocating health resources effectively. In Ghana, institutional mortality data captured through the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) II provide critical insights into disease burden and health system performance. However, the use of these data is limited by inconsistencies in medical certification, coding practices, and data completeness. This study aims to identify the leading causes of institutional deaths in Ghana in 2023 and assess the quality of ICD-11 coding. The findings are expected to help strengthen cause-of-death reporting systems and improve the accuracy of health data in Ghana. Methods: The study analysed the 2023 mortality data recorded in the DHIMS II, covering 30,397 institutional deaths after excluding records with missing age data. The dataset was cleaned, retaining cases with estimated ages to preserve demographic patterns. The ANACOD3 tool was used to assess the completeness, specificity, and quality of causes of the data, with a focus on identifying garbage codes and misclassified entries. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ghana Health Service. Results: Non-communicable diseases accounted for 57.4% of institutional deaths, followed by communicable conditions (36.6%) and injuries (3.8%). Gender-specific patterns revealed differences in the leading causes of death. The quality assessment showed a high frequency of ill-defined underlying causes and invalid ICD-11 codes, with over 30% of the records classified as garbage codes, and incomplete records were also prevalent. Conclusion: Significant gaps in COD data quality compromise its utility for health planning in Ghana. Addressing deficiencies in certification, coder training, and diagnostic infrastructure is crucial for improving mortality data accuracy and supporting evidence-based health interventions. Keywords: Cause-of-death data; Institutional mortality; DHIMS II; ICD-11 coding; ANACOD3 tool; Garbage codes.
Health Information Technology Governance: A Scoping Review of Literature
Abstract Purpose – This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on Health Information Technology (HIT) Governance. Design/methodology/approach – Existing literature on this topic charts the nature and content by summarising existing evidence on HIT governance. Searches were conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for literature published between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2023. Findings – A total of twenty-five (25) articles met the criteria and are included in this review. The findings indicate that HIT governance is operationalised through governance mechanisms and context-specific practices. In addition, HIT governance has mainly been for the systems functional at the hospital and national levels of healthcare, as well as systems that facilitate health information exchange, data governance, and health information governance. Governance of HIT systems functional at the community healthcare level has received little research attention. Furthermore, the alignment aspect is not addressed in the reviewed literature but is an essential aspect of HIT governance. Research limitations - A significant constraint of this scoping review is the limited scope of literature searches conducted exclusively on PubMed and ScienceDirect. Practical implications – This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of HIT governance in HIT implementation and use. Originality/value – This study covers HIT governance, addressing the need to investigate how HIT governance is achieved for different HIT integrations and applications and shape further research agenda. Keywords – Health Information Technology, Health Information Systems, Governance
Mise en œuvre de la blockchain pour les secteurs de la santé dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire : cas d'utilisation, approches et défis
Contexte et objectif : Malgré sa complexité et ses contraintes de ressources, le secteur de la santé dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire (PRFI) est confronté à un défi crucial consistant à garantir l'intégrité, l'interopérabilité et la transparence des données. La technologie Blockchain apparaît comme une solution potentielle, offrant des plateformes sécurisées et immuables pour la gestion des informations de santé. Cette étude examine les cas d'utilisation, les approches et les défis de la mise en œuvre de la blockchain dans les soins de santé des PRFI, en se concentrant sur les services de santé et la gestion à l'échelle du secteur. Méthodes : L'étude a utilisé une méthodologie d'examen systématique suivant les éléments de rapport préférés pour les examens systématiques et les méta-analyses (PRISMA) afin de garantir la transparence et la reproductibilité du processus d'examen. Résultats : Les résultats montrent que même si un certain nombre de pays PRFI se sont lancés dans la mise en œuvre d'applications basées sur la blockchain, la plupart des projets restent des propositions ou des expériences. L'étude a révélé que 26 (82 %) projets ont bénéficié d'une certaine forme de mise en œuvre. Parmi ceux-ci, 11 (42 %) étaient des simulations, 2 (8 %) ont évolué vers des prototypes fonctionnels et seulement 3 (12 %) ont abouti à des déploiements à part entière. Le cas d'utilisation le plus mis en œuvre était celui des systèmes de dossiers de santé électroniques (DSE), qui représentaient environ 23 % de toutes les mises en œuvre, suivis par la surveillance à distance des patients (15 %). Conclusions : La plupart des initiatives blockchain dans le secteur de la santé dans les PRFI en sont encore au stade de simulation et de prototype. On constate également une faible conversion des projets de cette étape préliminaire en solutions à part entière. Pour relever ce défi, davantage de programmes de préparation, à la fois techniques et administratifs, sont nécessaires pour garantir le succès des déploiements de la blockchain dans le secteur de la santé dans les PRFI.
Compliance with Interoperability Standards in Implementing Digital Health in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Background and Purpose: Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) bear over 70% of global mortality and morbidity due to systemic healthcare challenges. In response, many LMICs have adopted Digital Health (DH) to transform patient management and overall care. However, the transformative potential of DH is constrained by poor interoperability among diverse systems, which undermines effective data sharing and informed decision-making. This study explores the factors that hinder compliance with interoperability standards in DH implementations in LMICs. Methods: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with peer-reviewed articles retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The search, covering the literature from January 1, 2015, to January 30, 2025, was refined using relevant keywords. Out of 865 screened articles, 38 underwent full-text assessment, and 22 met the quality criteria for analysis. Results: The analysis, structured using the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, identified key barriers. Technological challenges include inadequate IT infrastructure, limited standardisation, fragmented systems, and adaptation difficulties. Organisational barriers involve weak leadership, poor governance, limited technical capacity, and resistance to change. Environmental obstacles include outdated regulations, weak compliance monitoring, data security concerns, and financial constraints. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for a coordinated, multi-level approach to enhance interoperability compliance in DH, thereby improving healthcare outcomes in LMICs. Targeted interventions are essential to drive sustainable DH implementation in LMICs.
Community-Based Health Information System Governance Structural Mechanism: Its Role in Attaining the Alignment and Improving the Community Health Outcomes
Purpose - Health Information Technology (HIT) governance is necessary for the effective functioning of HIT systems to improve health outcomes. However, practices associated with the Community-Based Health Information System (CBHIS) governance structural mechanism remain unclear. In addition, there is a paucity of knowledge on the nature of the interrelationships between the CBHIS governance structural mechanism, alignment and community health outcomes. The study sought to establish and validate practices associated with the CBHIS governance structural mechanism and its interrelationships with community health-CBHIS alignment and community health outcomes. Methodology - This study employed a mixed-method research approach, utilising a convergent parallel research design. Two study sites were purposefully chosen from a total of 47 counties due to their experience in CBHIS implementation and use. A sample size of 179 respondents participated in the study. To analyse research data, the study used partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings - The study had eight different practices associated with the CBHIS governance structural mechanism construct and six indicators measuring community health outcomes. Reliability and validity of constructs were used to assess the measurement model. Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability were utilised and study findings reveal that all the indicators met thresholds. In addition, the convergent validities for the two constructs were above the minimum threshold of 0.5000 (AVE>0.5000). Furthermore, the two constructs in this study met the discriminant validity criterion assessed using three techniques namely the Fornell-Lacker Criterion, HTMT and cross-loadings. The assessment of the structural model reveals a positive and significant relationship between the CBHIS structural mechanism and community health outcomes. The linkage between the CBHIS governance structural mechanism and community health outcomes have a Beta coefficient (β) of 0.507 (original sample) and 0.521 (bootstrap sample). The T statistic (t) is 7.159***. In addition, the positive relationship is highly significant at a P-value (p) 0.000. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.257. In addition, the study findings reveal a predictive relevance (Q2) of 0.224 (22.4%) of the exogenous construct on the endogenous construct. The study concludes that the model has an overall predictive relevance. Practical implications – The study findings reveal the practices associated with the CBHIS governance structural mechanism necessary for community health-CBHIS alignment to occur and consequently translate to improved community health outcomes. Keywords: Alignment, Governance structural mechanism, Health Information Technology
Perceptions of Primary Healthcare Practitioners on the Effectiveness of Electronic Health Records Systems for Decision Support in Tanzania
Background and Purpose: This study aims to examine the perceptions of primary healthcare practitioners on the effectiveness of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems in providing decision support in Tanzania. Methods: The study employs a quantitative research approach, utilizing surveys and structured observations to collect data from healthcare practitioners in PHC settings. Descriptive statistical analysis is conducted to assess the functionalities and utilization of EHR systems. Results: The findings reveal that while EHR systems in PHC facilities offer certain benefits, such as facilitating access to patient information and improving administrative processes, there are limitations in their ability to support decision-making tasks effectively. Specific areas for improvement are identified, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance the functionality of EHR systems in PHC settings. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of addressing the identified limitations in EHR systems to optimize their effectiveness in supporting decision-making tasks in PHC settings in Tanzania. Targeted interventions are essential to enhance EHR functionality and improve healthcare delivery outcomes.
Maternal Healthcare Access and Maternal Electronic Service Delivery in Resource-Constrained Environments: A Systematic Literature Review on Frameworks, Approaches, and Insights
Ensuring the well-being of mothers and newborns is contingent upon guaranteeing access to maternal health services. However, marginalized communities in Developing Countries (DCs) often face obstacles in accessing these critical services, primarily due to limitations in the strategies and methods used for delivering maternal healthcare. These barriers encompass various challenges, such as geographical remoteness, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities. Additionally, the limited availability of trained healthcare professionals and insufficient medical facilities exacerbate the situation. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a comprehensive review of the existing literature to find the best practices for integrating sensitive interventions, community engagement, and innovative technological solutions for the subject under investigation. The study was motivated by the imperative to investigate the integration of maternal healthcare services with e-services and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of existing approaches for accessing maternal e-services. This was driven by a sustained objective of enhancing maternal health service delivery using technologically supported platforms. The study utilized a systematic literature review analysis, adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) model. This rigorous approach ensured comprehensive coverage and transparency in selecting and analyzing relevant studies. The process involved systematically searching online databases using a keyword search technique to capture studies pertinent to maternal healthcare services and maternal e-services delivery. The results of the study highlighted numerous potential e-services for improving maternal healthcare, yet their implementation appears uncertain due to the limited effectiveness of existing approaches, which predominantly rely on traditional methods. While several e-service frameworks exist to guide maternal healthcare delivery, they predominantly focus on textual and voice-based maternal education, with limited attention to multimedia formats. To clearly understand this gap, the study developed a conceptual framework delineating the current state of maternal e-service delivery, emphasizing existing domains, and proposing a desired state that integrates potential e-services. This study emphasizes the urgency of exploring how technology-driven frameworks, especially those centered on mobile platforms, can integrate potential e-services to enhance maternal healthcare delivery. Bridging this gap holds the promise of revolutionizing maternal healthcare, making it more accessible and effective for women in need worldwide.
Exploring Digital Health Innovations Across Africa: Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward
Objectives: To systematically review the current state, applications, barriers, and outcomes of digital health technologies across Africa, and to identify opportunities for enhancing healthcare delivery through digital innovation. Design: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases from 2014-2025. Search terms included "digital health," "mHealth," "telemedicine," "electronic health records," "artificial intelligence," and "Africa." Studies were included if they focused on digital health interventions, implementation, or outcomes in African countries. Results: Sixty-eight studies from 32 African countries were analyzed. Mobile health (mHealth) represented 45% of interventions, telemedicine 28%, electronic health records 18%, and artificial intelligence 9%. Key applications included maternal and child health (34%), infectious disease management (29%), and chronic disease monitoring (21%). Major barriers included inadequate infrastructure (78% of studies), limited digital literacy (65%), and financial constraints (59%). Success factors included stakeholder engagement (82%), appropriate technology selection (76%), and integration with existing systems (71%). Conclusions: Digital health technologies demonstrate significant potential for transforming healthcare delivery across Africa. However, successful implementation requires addressing infrastructure limitations, enhancing digital literacy, ensuring sustainable financing, and developing context-appropriate solutions. Strategic investments in enabling infrastructure and capacity building are essential for realizing the full potential of digital health in Africa.
Improving Cancer Data Availability Within Routine Reporting Systems in a Low-Income Setting: A Case of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Background and purpose: Worldwide, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths occurred in 2020. In the same year, 801,392 new cancer cases and 520,158 cancer deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa where cancer survival is even disproportionately lower. In Uganda, there is limited knowledge about the usability levels of national electronic reporting systems with patient-level cancer data. Such data guide operational planning, track progress and performance over time, evaluate and understand cancer risk factors, study phenomena, explore relationships, test hypotheses, or draw meaningful conclusions. This study intended to fix the knowledge gap on the usability level of a routine electronic reporting system using standard tools. Objective: To determine the usability of the developed reporting system at a cancer unit in a low-resource setting. Methods: This observational study used a design science approach, configuring the Maintenance application and Tracker domains in DHIS2 version 2.40.3. Retrospective records of 104 new cancer cases were purposively selected and entered into the instance. The mean usability score was determined using the system usability scale (SUS). Results: A mean SUS score of 72.34 (SD 11.23) was obtained at a 76.19% response rate. Most respondents were male (75%) with a mean age of 30.81 (SD 7.4). Conclusions: A web-based DHIS2 instance made cancer data available and accessible. There is a need to scale the instance to the remaining 15 regional hospitals out of 17, use prospective programmatic data in future studies, and conduct system pre-training to improve user engagement.
Systematic review of the Absorptive Capacity Theory and its’ application to mHealth Technologies for Adverse Drug Reaction reporting in Uganda
Background and Purpose: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as transformative tools for enhancing healthcare delivery and patient safety worldwide. In Uganda, the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure presents significant opportunities to leverage mobile devices for communication, data collection, and patient management. However, despite these advances, the utilization of mHealth technologies remains low, particularly in the reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), a critical component of strengthening pharmacovigilance systems. Although prior studies have examined mHealth utilization in domains such as family planning, maternal and child health, infectious disease management, and health education, limited research has systematically investigated their underutilization in ADR reporting. This study addresses this gap by applying the Absorptive Capacity Theory to understand the enablers of effective utilization of mHealth technologies for reporting ADRs in Ugandan Public Healthcare. As such, this systematic review explores how Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) has been defined and conceptualized within the Information Systems (IS) literature, identifies the different levels of analysis of ACAP, examines the key determinants influencing ACAP, and assesses how Absorptive Capacity Theory can serve as a theoretical lens for understanding the enablers of mobile technology utilization for ADR reporting in public healthcare settings. Methods: The review included peer-reviewed English-language studies published between 2010 and 2025 that examined ACAP within IS, IT, mHealth innovations, and ADR reporting. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar, following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic review guidelines. The process involved duplicate removal and documentation through a PRISMA flow diagram. Out of 134 initial records, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The findings indicate that ACAP is a dynamic, multi-level capability encompassing both structural (knowledge systems, infrastructure) and behavioral (learning, collaboration) dimensions. It functions across individual, group, organizational, and team levels, enabling the assimilation and application of new knowledge to support innovation utilization in complex healthcare environments. Conclusions: The review concludes that to comprehensively understand the enablers of mHealth utilization for ADR reporting in Uganda’s public healthcare, it is essential to integrate team-level absorptive capacity (meso level) with organizational and individual absorptive capacities (macro and micro levels). Such integration provides an in-depth understanding of the multi-layered processes that facilitate the utilization of mHealth technologies in reporting ADRs and effective pharmacovigilance in resource-constrained settings. Keywords: Absorptive Capacity, mHealth technologies, Utilization, Adverse Drug Reactions, Pharmacovigilance, Healthcare
The Journal of Health Informatics in Africa (JHIA) only publishes original, high quality research papers focusing on the use of information and ICTs in the healthcare sector in Africa. To ensure originality a Turnitin report is obtained for each submission before being assigned to reviewers. Only submissions with a Turnitin similarity index below 15% are accepted for review. Submission with a higher similarity index is immediately rejected. Authors are thus urged to ensure that their submissions are original and that it has not been published elsewhere before submission is made to JHIA. Once a submission is accepted for review it passes through a rigorous double-blind review process that either results in a rejection or acceptance. Most submissions that are accepted are subject to a second round of review. Authors are tasked to revise the paper based on the reviewer feedback and re-submit it for a second round of review by the same reviewers. Only once the reviewers and editorial team are satisfied with the revisions are the paper then formally accepted for publication. To attest to the rigorous review process this issue comprises of only two papers: Gumede and Dyers presents a cross-sectional evaluation of the user experience of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in the public health sector of the Western Cape in South Africa. The user experience of the EMR is evaluated in terms of it’s pragmatic- and hedonic qualities. Mutunhu, Chipangura, and Singh explores opportunities for quantified-self technology in diabetes self-care through a systematic literature review. Four opportunities namely monitoring, adherence, reduced cost, and data collection and sharing are identified. I would like to extend a very special thank you to the editorial team, authors, and peer-reviewers that made this issue possible. I encourage readers active in health informatics research to make contact with me to become reviewers for JHIA. We rely on the expertise of experienced researchers to ensure the publication of high-quality research. Nicky Mostert March 2024
Editorial to JHIA Vol. 11(2024) Issue 3 Nicky Mostert Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa The Journal of Health Informatics in Africa (JHIA) is committed to publishing original, high-quality research focused on the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the African healthcare sector. To uphold the integrity and originality of the journal, each submission undergoes a thorough process that includes obtaining a Turnitin report prior to assignment to reviewers. Submissions are only considered for review if their Turnitin similarity index is below 15%. Any manuscript exceeding this threshold is immediately rejected. We strongly encourage authors to ensure that their work is original and has not been published elsewhere before submission to JHIA. Once a paper is accepted for review, it undergoes a rigorous double-blind review process. This may result in either acceptance or rejection. In cases of acceptance, most submissions are subjected to a second round of peer review. Authors are required to revise their manuscripts based on reviewer feedback and resubmit them for further evaluation by the same reviewers. Only once both the reviewers and the editorial team are satisfied with the revisions is the paper formally accepted for publication. This issue features three insightful papers: Eleke, Nwaneri, Okoronkwo, and Samuel present a comprehensive review comparing paper-based and software-assisted nursing documentation, focusing on data precision and timeliness. Kigombola and Mahundi explore the use cases, approaches, and challenges associated with the implementation of blockchain technology in the healthcare sectors of low- and middle-income countries. Mwogosi, Kibusi, and Shaoa share insights into primary healthcare practitioners' perceptions of the effectiveness of electronic health record systems for decision support in Tanzania. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the editorial team, authors, and peer reviewers whose hard work has made this issue possible. I also encourage researchers engaged in health informatics to contact me about becoming reviewers for JHIA. The expertise of experienced researchers is crucial to maintaining the high quality of research published in our journal. Thank you for your continued support of JHIA. Nicky Mostert December 2024
Predicting Malaria Outbreaks in Children Under Five: Insights from Ghana
Background and Purpose: Malaria, a persistent public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affects children under five, with socio-economic disparities and environmental factors exacerbating its burden. This study seeks to identify patterns that serve as early indicators of potential outbreaks, thus enhancing the country’s ability to allocate resources efficiently and improve early warning systems. Methods: This study employs the Random Forest algorithm to predict malaria outbreaks using historical incidence data from Ghana (2011–2021). Results: By incorporating lagged variables and analyzing spatial and temporal dynamics, the model captures seasonality, including peaks during rainy seasons and regional disparities in malaria cases. The model achieved a robust R-squared value of 0.8193, reflecting substantial predictive accuracy. Regional hotspots such as Ashanti and Western exhibited higher case numbers than Greater Accra, emphasizing the need for localized interventions. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the potential of Random Forest as a scalable tool for malaria prediction in resource-constrained settings, enabling data-driven decision-making and optimizing public health resources. These findings align with global malaria reduction goals, emphasizing the integration of machine learning into public health strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations.
Smart Medical System for Trusted LoRaWAN Server
leading tech of LoRaWAN in Smart Medical System (SMS) measures the human health parameters with no laboratory diagnosis. The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller and bio-sensors to examine the human physiological conditions based on environmental factors using low power components but provides a seamless experience with long-range communication modules (LoRa). Monitored data is centralized in a server that can be accessed securely from remote place. The main goal of this paper is to implement the patient’s health records maintenance with end-to-end encrypted data using consensus algorithms. An Authorized person only accesses encrypted data with the private key through decentralization. Simultaneously, the proposed system introduces an efficient method to get alert messages from the patient that enables sharing the predicted data in real-time to the caretaker and hospital doctor.
© Journal of Health Informatics in Africa 2022
Editorial to the HELINA 2023 Proceedings
The 2023 edition of the HELINA (HEaLthINformaticsinAfrica) conference was held from 01 – 03 November 2023 as an in-person conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference was hosted by the South African Health Informatics Association (SAHIA) in partnership with HELINA. The conference theme was focused on “Effective Implementation, Meaningful Use and Sustainability of Digital Health Interventions: The Role of Health Informatics and Imaging Informatics in Africa”. The aim was to provide a platform to showcase interventions in the following formats: Full research papers based on mature research results; Work in progress papers based on work in process research; and Case study presentations based on case studies and experience in digital health interventions. Review Process A total of 61 submissions in these categories were received. A double-blind peer review process was used for evaluating each full research and work in progress paper. These submissions were anonymized before being submitted to reviewers according to their area of expertise. The Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) based their final decision on the acceptance of each full research and work in progress paper on the recommendations and comments from reviewers. Accepted submissions were then sent back to the authors for revision according to the reviewers’ comments. Case study submissions were reviewed by the SPC for inclusion in the conference. This review process resulted in the following acceptance rates: Full research papers: 44% acceptance rate (9 received, 4 accepted) Work in progress papers: 66% acceptance rate (6 received, 4 accepted) Case studies and experience papers: 85% acceptance rate (46 received, 39 accepted) In order to be included in the conference proceedings, authors had to submit their final camera-ready papers after incorporating reviewer comments, and accepted papers had to be presented at the conference in person. Nicky Mostert HELINA 2023 SPC Chair
DÉVELOPPEMENT D’UN LOGICIEL POUR INTERPRÉTER L’ENREGISTREMENT DU RYTHME CARDIAQUE FŒTAL : « 2ARCF SYSTEME »
L’Obstétrique est parmi les spécialités où l’informatique médicale opère, dans les pays développés. Madagascar comme étant un pays en développement n’a pas l’opportunité d’acquérir les fruits de ces recherches notamment dans l’interprétation du rythme cardiaque fœtal (RCF). Objectifs : Notre étude consiste à la création d’un logiciel qui analyse automatiquement le RCF avec les ressources matérielles disponibles et l’évaluation de son efficacité. Méthode et résultats : Nous avons développé et codé l’application « 2ARCF système » avec Matrix Laboratory. On a recruté au hasard des enregistrements du RCF puis analysé avec le logiciel créé. Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective descriptive sur ces enregistrements et pour préciser la fiabilité des résultats du logiciel, nous avons réalisé une étude comparative de ces derniers avec l’analyse conventionnelle selon la classification du RCF du CNGOF. Soixante quatre enregistrements ont été recrutés. Après analyse conventionnelle 62,5% des tracés revenaient normaux contre 95,3% après analyse informatisée avec une concordance à 59,4% des tracés. Le taux de réussite du logiciel était de 98,4%. Conclusion : L’application « 2ARCF système » a montré sa fiabilité. Elle est un atout, surtout dans les régions éloignées de Madagascar. Mots-clés : analyse informatisée, logiciel d’interprétation, rythme cardiaque fœtal
Systematic Literature Review on Opportunities for Digital Innovation in the Healthcare Sector
Background and Purpose: The concept of digital innovation has garnered significant attention recently and has the potential to revolutionise industries. With the recent advancements in healthcare and the emergence of new digital technologies, this manuscript reports the results of a systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at identifying the opportunities that digital innovation can afford the healthcare sector. These opportunities could guide policymakers and healthcare practitioners in making informed decisions regarding the implementation of digital innovation in healthcare. Methods: This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) that involved defining the purpose of the literature review, establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria, identifying data sources and search strategies, screening and determining eligibility, and making inclusion/exclusion decisions. This study also included quality assessment criteria to evaluate the selected publications. 1478 research papers were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify themes from the papers included in the SLR. Results: The findings presented nine themes related to opportunities for digital innovation in healthcare. The following themes were discussed: precision/personalised medicine/healthcare, interoperability, privacy and security, improved decision-making process, real-time/remote monitoring, enabling new processes/services/products, training/education, knowledge acquisition/sharing, and other themes that could not be categorised. These themes include cost, effectiveness, and time management. Conclusions: This study utilised thematic analysis to examine the themes that emerged from the findings. These themes centred around the opportunities for digital innovation in healthcare. Awareness about each opportunity for digital innovation in healthcare is discussed. This study discussed the limitations of this SLR and future research opportunities for policymakers and healthcare practitioners wanting to implement digital innovation in healthcare.
An Exploration of Opportunities for Quantified-Self Technology in Diabetes Self-Care: A Systematic Literature Review
Background and Purpose: To avoid the adoption of quantified-self technologies for diabetic self-care by trial and error, this study investigated quantified-self opportunities. The premise of the study was that the adoption of quantified-self technologies should be preceded by knowledge of the opportunities that are provided by the technology. In this respect, the research search question was, ‘What are the opportunities for the use of quantified self technology in the management of diabetes in developing countries?’. Methods: A systematic literature analysis was carried out to answer the research question. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to select articles from four databases, which are PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Science Direct. A total of 50 peer-reviewed journal and conference articles published between 2018 and 2024 were analysed. Results: Literature analysis uncovered four opportunities for using quantified-self technologies in the management of diabetes. Opportunities include monitoring, adherence, reduced cost, and data collection and sharing. Conclusions: The identified opportunities are informative and empower diabetic patients with knowledge that helps them with decision making prior to the adoption of quantified-self technologies for diabetic self-care. The results of this study are equally applicable to the adoption of any other technology, as it is important that the opportunities brought by a technology should be known before its adoption.