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Assessing Strategic Priority Factors in eHealth Policies of Four African Countries

Abstract

The use of electronic health systems is rapidly spreading in low- and middle-income countries (LLMICs). Empirical evidence shows that eHealth systems can improve access, quality, and equitable healthcare delivery, especially for the poor and vulnerable. Studies suggest that a lack of systems thinking leads to inadequate technical infrastructure, lack of interoperability, streamlining of patientand health information sharing. This article assesses the BETTEReHEALTH
strategic priority factors from four African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, and Tunisia. The primary data source was eHealth policies from the four countries. A document analysis was conducted, complemented by deductive, qualitative content analysis. The results show these countries have adopted and implemented eHealth
policies. They have dedicated governing bodies that aim to strengthen the coordination of eHealth efforts. However, there is a need for more robust government support and regulation in creating a sustainable national eHealth
environment.

Category

Academic article

Client

  • EC/H2020 / 101017450

Language

English

Author(s)

Affiliation

  • University Hospital of North Norway
  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research
  • University of Oslo
  • Ghana

Year

2022

Published in

IST-Africa Conference Proceedings

ISSN

2576-859X

Publisher

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

External resources

View this publication at Cristin