Mobile health architecture for health-care information delivery: case study: a breast cancer awareness mobile application (PINK RIBBON)
Date
2013
Authors
Carolyne Wariara Gakinya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Mounting interest in the field of m-Health—the provision of health-related services via mobile
communications—can be traced to the evolution of several interrelated trends. In many parts of
the world, including the developed and the developing countries, access to health care is a basic
need yet this is not a reality to a large section of the population in these countries. These
challenges normally arise as a result of high costs of healthcare, few medical personnel
compared to the patients to be served and few medical facilities. In the developing countries,
other challenges such as poor infrastructure, literacy levels and language barriers pose as
stumbling blocks to access health care services. Yet in these same places, the explosive growth
of mobile communications over the past decade offers a new hope for the promotion of quality
healthcare. Now, this reliable technology helps to bridge the ‘digital divide’ gap.
There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the potential of mobile communications
to radically improve healthcare services—even in some of the most remote and resource-poor
environments. The research explores the usage of m-Health applications in developing countries
especially Kenya as well as the health needs to which m-Health can be applied. It determines the
design requirements of an m-Health architecture that can be used both as an informative and
educative tool to the masses. This architecture is implemented by analysing, designing and
testing a primary m-Health application that can be used to raise awareness about Breast Cancer
as well as assist Community Health Workers to educate the general public about other general
health related information. In conclusion some key design, business and technical requirements
that need to be considered are suggested.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of Master of Science in Mobile Telecommunications and Innovation (MSc.MTI)
Keywords
Mobile Health Architecture, Health-Care Information, Breast Cancer, Mobile application