eHealth Implementation Issues in Low-Resource Countries: Model, Survey, and Analysis of User Experience

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Global Health Technology
• Digital Health Implementation

Background:

• eHealth implementation in low-resource countries (LRCs) is hindered by resource limitations, infrastructure deficits, and a lack of standardized systems.
• Key challenges include unreliable power, insufficient trained personnel, and ethical/legal considerations.
• Limited focus on national eHealth agendas further complicates widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current state of eHealth implementation in LRCs.
• To analyze eHealth utilization from the perspective of frontline professional eHealth users.
• To identify key factors influencing eHealth adoption in diverse LRC contexts.

Main Methods:

• A structural equation model was developed based on frontline eHealth users' opinions.
• Web-based surveys were administered to 114 participants across India, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya.
• The model analyzed relationships between constructs, including technology infrastructure, user characteristics, and eHealth utilization.

Main Results:

• Technology infrastructure positively influenced eHealth utilization by mitigating concerns and uncertainties.
• Implementation effectiveness (path coefficient=0.45) and participant country (path coefficient=0.29) were strong positive predictors of eHealth utilization.
• Privately funded institutions reported higher eHealth utilization compared to publicly funded ones (path coefficient=0.18).

Conclusions:

• eHealth success in LRCs is influenced by technology infrastructure and user acceptance, with notable disparities between public and private sectors.
• Telemedicine adoption is crucial for remote and rural areas within these countries.
• Understanding these factors can guide lagging regions in adopting eHealth technologies effectively.