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

Daniel Erku (), Resham Khatri, Aklilu Endalamaw, Eskinder Wolka, Frehiwot Nigatu, Anteneh Zewdie and Yibeltal Assefa
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Daniel Erku: Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, 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
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

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 19, 1-15

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.

Keywords: digital health; mHealth; eHealth; primary healthcare; universal health coverage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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