Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34654432›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2021

Development of a conceptual framework for linking mHealth applications to eRecord systems in Botswana.

Kagiso Ndlovu, Maurice Mars, Richard E Scott

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Kagiso NdlovuDepartment of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. ndlovuk@ub.ac.bw.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4175-8366
Maurice MarsDepartment of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8784-780X
Richard E ScottDepartment of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9036-7070

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe proliferation of mHealth solutions and eRecord systems is inevitable in developing countries, and ensuring their bi-directional interoperability is essential. Interoperability has been described as the ability for two or more systems or components to exchange information and use the information that has been exchanged. Given the importance of linking mHealth solutions to eRecord systems in the developing world, a suitable interoperability framework is required to provide an agreed approach to interoperability and specify common elements. Although eHealth interoperability frameworks exist in the literature, none meet all the requirements for linking mHealth solutions to eRecord systems in developing countries. The aim of this paper was to describe the design and development of a conceptual framework for linking mHealth solutions to eRecord systems in Botswana, as an exemplar.

methodsAn iterative and reflective process was adopted, supported by existing literature and research including consultations with eHealth experts, and guidance from existing frameworks. These collectively identified key elements, concepts, and standards relevant and essential for framework design and development.

resultsThe mHealth-eRecord Interoperability Framework (mHeRIF) was developed which highlights the need for: governance and regulation of mHealth and eRecord systems, a national health information exchange, and which interoperability levels to achieve. Each of these are supported by integral themes and concepts. It also addresses the need for regular review, accreditation, and alignment of framework concepts and themes with a National eHealth Strategy Interoperability Development Process. To demonstrate the framework's applicability, a proposed architecture for the Kgonafalo mobile telemedicine programme is presented.

conclusionInteroperable mHealth solutions and eRecords systems have the potential to strengthen health systems. This paper reports the design and development of an evidence-based mHeRIF to align with, build upon, and expand National eHealth Strategies by guiding the linking of mHealth solutions to eRecord systems in Botswana and other developing countries facing similar circumstances.

Indexed as

TelemedicineBotswanaHumansBotswanaDeveloping countrieseRecord systemsInteroperability architectureInteroperability frameworkmHealthOpenHIEOpenHIM

Identifiers

PMID34654432
PMCPMC8518885

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.