Challenges, barriers, and facilitators in implementing digital health initiatives for NP-NCD management in India's public health system: A scoping review
IF 1.7 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases pose significant public health challenges in India, especially within resource-limited settings. To address these, the Government of India launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), supported by the NP-NCD Portal—a digital health initiative aimed at improving service delivery, data management, and care coordination across public health facilities.
Objective
This scoping review explores the challenges, barriers, and facilitators influencing the implementation of digital health initiatives for NP-NCD management in India's public healthcare system.
Methods
Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus Embase, government websites, and grey literature sources.
Results
Thirteen studies published between 2010 and 2025 were included, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. Thematic analysis revealed key barriers such as inadequate digital infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, limited digital literacy, high workloads, dual data entry requirements, and workflow disruptions. Facilitators identified included structured training programs, dedicated data personnel, supportive leadership, offline functionality, regional language support, and integration with broader health systems. Community engagement through frontline workers (ASHAs, ANMs) and incentive structures played a vital role in improving adoption and outreach.
Conclusion
Findings underscore the need for robust infrastructure, continuous capacity building, interoperable systems, and workforce support to optimize digital health implementation. These insights can inform strategies to enhance NCD care delivery in India and other low- and middle-income countries facing similar challenges.
期刊介绍:
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health (CEGH) is a multidisciplinary journal and it is published four times (March, June, September, December) a year. The mandate of CEGH is to promote articles on clinical epidemiology with focus on developing countries in the context of global health. We also accept articles from other countries. It publishes original research work across all disciplines of medicine and allied sciences, related to clinical epidemiology and global health. The journal publishes Original articles, Review articles, Evidence Summaries, Letters to the Editor. All articles published in CEGH are peer-reviewed and published online for immediate access and citation.