Systematic review: mHealth in Integrated Service Delivery: A Systematic Review and Assessment framework

Project Status
Completed

Chief Investigator
Siaw-Teng Liaw

Project Team
Myron Godinho, Jitendra Jonnagaddala, Nachiket Gudi, Rubana Islam, Padmanesan Narasimhan

Objective

This systematic literature review sought to examine: i) how m-Health has been used in integrated service delivery in the Western Pacific Region (WPR); and ii) the lessons learned from these experiences than can serve to guide the implementation of mHealth-based interventions for Integrated People-Centred Healthcare Services (IPCHS) in the WPR.

Methods

Routine systematic review methods were followed throughout. Eight electronic databases were searched, and two independent reviewers screened study references in title and abstract stages. This was followed by the full text appraisal and data extraction and synthesis of the eligible studies. Additionally, findings guided the development of an assessment framework to assist national agencies with mHealth program development, implementation and evaluation.

Findings

We identified 40 studies, predominantly from Australia (n=16), China (n=7), Malaysia (n=5) and New Zealand (n=4). We found no studies from Philippines, Mongolia, Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Japan, or Pacific island nations. Studies reported on the utility and effectiveness of mHealth to support and improve integrated service delivery and care models, patient-centredness, safety and quality of care. We found evidence that mHealth can address the IPCHS strategies. The review noted significant international variations in the implementation, evaluation and dissemination of mHealth.

Conclusions

Significant international variations mHealth practices and the underrepresentation of some nations warrants an examination of the need for capacity building in implementation and evaluation of mHealth (and eHealth) programs in the WPR.