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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Interoperability opportunities and challenges in linking mhealth applications and eRecord systems: Botswana as an exemplar

Authors: Kagiso Ndlovu, Richard E. Scott, Maurice Mars

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Significant investments have been made towards the implementation of mHealth applications and eRecord systems globally. However, fragmentation of these technologies remains a big challenge, often unresolved in developing countries. In particular, evidence shows little consideration for linking mHealth applications and eRecord systems. Botswana is a typical developing country in sub-Saharan Africa that has explored mHealth applications, but the solutions are not interoperable with existing eRecord systems. This paper describes Botswana’s eRecord systems interoperability landscape and provides guidance for linking mHealth applications to eRecord systems, both for Botswana and for developing countries using Botswana as an exemplar.

Methods

A survey and interviews of health ICT workers and a review of the Botswana National eHealth Strategy were completed. Perceived interoperability benefits, opportunities and challenges were charted and analysed, and future guidance derived.

Results

Survey and interview responses showed the need for interoperable mHealth applications and eRecord systems within the health sector of Botswana and within the context of the National eHealth Strategy. However, the current Strategy does not address linking mHealth applications to eRecord systems. Across Botswana’s health sectors, global interoperability standards and Application Programming Interfaces are widely used, with some level of interoperability within, but not between, public and private facilities. Further, a mix of open source and commercial eRecord systems utilising relational database systems and similar data formats are supported. Challenges for linking mHealth applications and eRecord systems in Botswana were identified and categorised into themes which led to development of guidance to enhance the National eHealth Strategy.

Conclusion

Interoperability between mHealth applications and eRecord systems is needed and is feasible. Opportunities and challenges for linking mHealth applications to eRecord systems were identified, and future guidance stemming from this insight presented. Findings will aid Botswana, and other developing countries, in resolving the pervasive disconnect between mHealth applications and eRecord systems.

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Title: Interoperability opportunities and challenges in linking mhealth applications and eRecord systems: Botswana as an exemplar
Authors: Kagiso Ndlovu
Richard E. Scott
Maurice Mars
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-021-01606-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Interoperability opportunities and challenges in linking mhealth applications and eRecord systems: Botswana as an exemplar

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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