Applying bridges framework to investigate challenges to the adoption of mHealth in Burundi

Abstract

Mobile health (or mHealth) describes the utilisation of wireless mobile communications devices in public and private healthcare. These include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and patient monitoring devices. A number of researchers recognize the potential of mHealth capabilities to address healthcare issues within developing countries. Although the outcomes of mHealth interventions have generally been assessed as positive, there is a need for designing mHealth interventions that are specifically tailored to the context of individual countries. This paper investigates ICT use within the Burundian Health sector with specific emphasis on mHealth adoption. Using Bridges' Real Access / Real Impact framework for ICT in development [2], this paper explores the challenges impeding the adoption of mHealth in Burundi. Findings reveal that mHealth is not currently in use in the public health care sector, except for recent pilot projects which are still to be evaluated. In addition, there are access, technology and organisational challenges that need to be addressed for mHealth adoption to become a reality. A multistakeholder approach is adopted to address these issues.