Opportunities and barriers for mobile health in New Zealand

Ownership and the use of mobile technologies greatly exceed those of personal desktop computer systems and countries throughout the world are beginning to understand how these technologies can enhance the delivery of healthcare (m-health). This paper reviews the opportunities and barriers for m-health and describes a study to understand its potential in New Zealand. A survey consisting of a questionnaire and in-depth interviews was used to reveal clinician and service provider attitudes to m-health. The general perception is that m-health will be an increasing component of future healthcare with many opportunities for empowering patients, delivering convenience care, and supporting carers as well as offering the potential for more effective public health and lifestyle broadcasting. Participants recognised several barriers to the acceptance and sustainability of m-health, identifying privacy of information and device form factor as major concerns.