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Digital Health Interventions to Improve Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care Services: A Scoping Review

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  • Daniel Erku

    (Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
    Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
    School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia)

  • Resham Khatri

    (School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia)

  • Aklilu Endalamaw

    (School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
    College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia)

  • Eskinder Wolka

    (International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

  • Frehiwot Nigatu

    (International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

  • Anteneh Zewdie

    (International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

  • Yibeltal Assefa

    (School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia)

Abstract

Global digital technology advances offer the potential to enhance primary health care (PHC) quality, reach, and efficiency, driving toward universal health coverage (UHC). This scoping review explored how digital health solutions aid PHC delivery and UHC realization by examining the context, mechanisms, and outcomes of eHealth interventions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, capturing qualitative and quantitative studies, process evaluations, and systematic or scoping reviews. Our analysis of 65 articles revealed that a well-functioning digital ecosystem—featuring adaptable, interoperable digital tools, robust Information and Communications Technology foundations, and enabling environments—is pivotal for eHealth interventions’ success. Facilities with better digital literacy, motivated staff, and adequate funding demonstrated a higher adoption of eHealth technologies, leading to improved, coordinated service delivery and higher patient satisfaction. However, eHealth’s potential is often restricted by existing socio-cultural norms, geographical inequities in technology access, and digital literacy disparities. Our review underscores the importance of considering the digital ecosystem’s readiness, user behavior, broader health system requirements, and PHC capacity for adopting digital solutions while assessing digital health interventions’ impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Erku & Resham Khatri & Aklilu Endalamaw & Eskinder Wolka & Frehiwot Nigatu & Anteneh Zewdie & Yibeltal Assefa, 2023. "Digital Health Interventions to Improve Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care Services: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:19:p:6854-:d:1250168
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ziebland, Sue & Hyde, Emma & Powell, John, 2021. "Power, paradox and pessimism: On the unintended consequences of digital health technologies in primary care," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    2. Stefania Paduano & Federica Incerti & Lucia Borsari & Anne Caroline Benski & Alex Ernest & Ipyana Mwampagatwa & Athanase Lilungulu & Theresia Masoi & Annalisa Bargellini & Federica Stornelli & Giovann, 2022. "Use of a mHealth System to Improve Antenatal Care in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries: Report on Patients and Healthcare Workers’ Acceptability in Tanzania," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-10, November.
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