Technology
Technology integration within the healthcare sector has the great potential to advance public health services by facilitating professional practice and communication while reducing health disparities . The road to success , however , has been a grey area as mHealth is a relatively new project that must be adapted for global practices . mHealth , the practice of medicine and public health supported by mobile devices , has great application for industrialized nations . However , due to the rapid rise of mobile phone penetration in low-income nations ( Samsung recently partnered with GSMA to provide mobile technology to 15.5 million mothers in Africa ), certain strategies must be amended .
Tony Kane Consulting Limited has recently released the world ’ s first structured methodology to enable robust planning of mHealth programs . The new method revolves around six key stages that are aimed towards saving money and avoiding costly mistakes , identifying the most suitable targets , and getting access to the right answers quicker .
According to Tony Kane , mHealth has been held back by “ a lack of
“ The dominant form of mHealth today is characterized by small scale pilot projects that address single issues in information sharing and access ”
– World Health Organization
insight into the necessary factors to ensure a successful program .” Therefore , the structure is supported by real life case studies and practical tool kits to help project sponsors incorporate the critical elements for success into their plans .
The “ 6 Steps to mHealth Success ” is delivered in the form of personal coaching and training events to deliver the necessary confidence and skills to all mHealth stakeholders , whether they be healthcare payers , insurers , providers , or pharmacy and medical device companies .
Healthcare Global shares the six stages of a successful mHealth project , courtesy of Tony Kane Consulting Limited .
34 August 2014