Improving health care delivery in rural communities through the use of mobile phones: A case study in Windhoek
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Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Poor healthcare delivery in rural health centres is a major problem facing the health
sector in Namibia. This paper investigated how mobile phones can be used to improve healthcare delivery services in Windhoek rural health centres. Data was collected using structured interviews. A qualitative design was used together with a case study approach. Three health centres, purposefully selected from Windhoek rural communities (Katutura, Khomasdal and Okuryangava) were used as case studies. Activity Theory (AT) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) were used to analyse the findings. The findings revealed that mobile phones are widely accepted by doctors, nurses and patients of Windhoek rural health centres; hence can be used to improve slow work processes and healthcare delivery services provided to patients at Out Patient Departments (OPDs) in Windhoek rural health centres. A mobile health service framework (MHSF) was proposed based on the work processes and healthcare delivery needs of patients who visit Windhoek rural health centres. The MHSF was further presented for expert reviews which consisted of a panel of one doctor, one nurse and two IT specialists. The
expert review panel approved the MHSF and found it useful in improving healthcare
delivery services in Windhoek rural health centres.
Description
Keywords
Mobile health, Mobile phones, Health care delivery, Rural health
Citation
Iyawa, G.E., & Coleman, A. (2015). Improving health care delivery in rural communities through the use of mobile phones: a case study in Windhoek. International Science and Technology Journal of Namibia, 6, 3-20.