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Exploring Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Electronic Personal Health Records for Mobile Populations Living in Disadvantaged Circumstances: A Multi-Country Feasibility Study in Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, and The Netherlands

Author

Listed:
  • Paulien Tensen

    (Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Amsterdam Health & Technology Institute, 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Maria Bach Nikolajsen

    (Research Unit for General Practice, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Simeon Kintu Paul

    (African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi P.O. Box 10787-00100, Kenya)

  • Princess Ruhama Acheampong

    (Department of Health Promotion and Disability Studies, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana)

  • Francisca Gaifém

    (Research Unit for Global Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Frederick Murunga Wekesah

    (African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi P.O. Box 10787-00100, Kenya
    Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Ulrik Bak Kirk

    (Research Unit for General Practice, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Ellis Owusu-Dabo

    (Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana)

  • Per Kallestrup

    (Research Unit for General Practice, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Research Unit for Global Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Erik Beune

    (Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Charles Agyemang

    (Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Steven van de Vijver

    (Amsterdam Health & Technology Institute, 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of General Practice, OLVG Hospital, 1091 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

(1) Background: Mobile populations living in disadvantaged circumstances often face disrupted continuity of care due to incomplete or inaccessible health records. This feasibility study explored the perceived usefulness of Electronic Personal Health Records (EPHRs) in enhancing access to and continuity of care for mobile populations across Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, and The Netherlands. (2) Methods: A qualitative study using ninety semi-structured interviews, with multi-level stakeholders ranging from policymakers to mobile individuals, recruited through purposive and convenience sampling. Interview guides and analysis were informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and analysis by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). (3) Results: Stakeholders highlighted the value of improved medical data sharing and ownership and considered EPHRs promising for enhancing care continuity and efficiency. Key concerns included limited digital and health literacy, and data security and privacy, underscoring the need for education and safeguards against inappropriate data sharing. Due to differences in digital readiness and privacy guidelines, a one-size-fits-all EPHR is unlikely to succeed. (4) Conclusions: EPHRs are considered valuable tools to enhance care continuity and increase patient ownership, but they face technical, structural, and social challenges, including data security and varying levels of digital (health) literacy. Successful implementation requires context-sensitive, co-created solutions supported by strong policy frameworks.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulien Tensen & Maria Bach Nikolajsen & Simeon Kintu Paul & Princess Ruhama Acheampong & Francisca Gaifém & Frederick Murunga Wekesah & Ulrik Bak Kirk & Ellis Owusu-Dabo & Per Kallestrup & Erik Beune, 2025. "Exploring Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Electronic Personal Health Records for Mobile Populations Living in Disadvantaged Circumstances: A Multi-Country Feasibility Study in Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, and ," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-26, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1363-:d:1737865
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