Implementation of a tablet project at an African medical school: Process and critical success factors

Abstract

As biomedical knowledge continues to explode, medical students and doctors need to assimilate a lot of information for learning and clinical practice. The use of mobile devices provides an opportunity to improve access to information, enhance communication and collaboration and deliver self-paced learning opportunities. However, implementation of mobile device projects can pose significant challenges for institutions in low-to-middle income countries due to scarce financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise. Through reflection on our implementation process and by drawing from the literature, we propose a potential three-stage implementation process for adopting mobile devices in low-to-middle income countries. We argue for meticulous planning but flexible implementation that is true to and cognizant of the context.