Jaime Kristoffer Punzalan, Mary Germeyn Punzalan, Jessa Mayet Sumatra-Mabalot, Tristan Jay Amit, Louie Virgil Gallardo, Marichelle Valeros, Afdal Kunting
{"title":"Bridging the gap: A program case study of the Regional Telemedicine Center of an apex medical center in Southwestern Mindanao, Philippines.","authors":"Jaime Kristoffer Punzalan, Mary Germeyn Punzalan, Jessa Mayet Sumatra-Mabalot, Tristan Jay Amit, Louie Virgil Gallardo, Marichelle Valeros, Afdal Kunting","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf015","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Telemedicine is increasingly recognized as a strategic solution for enhancing healthcare access in isolated areas like the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. This study examines the implementation and factors affecting the adoption and effectiveness of the Zamboanga City Medical Center Regional Telemedicine Center, which facilitates specialist care and real-time provider collaboration. Despite its benefits in reducing travel and enhancing patient outcomes, adoption is hindered by challenges such as unreliable network connectivity and complex user interfaces. Key contextual factors-technical, organizational, ethical, financial, political, legal, and socioeconomic-necessitate comprehensive policy improvements, training, and infrastructure upgrades. The study concludes that the success of telemedicine depends on comprehensive support systems and standardized practices to ensure consistent quality and advance regional health coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf015"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12282111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144693023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Global South-led responsible AI solutions to strengthen health systems: an emergent research landscape.","authors":"Chaitali Sinha","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf016","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are being adopted across the globe, including the Global South, to address health needs and strengthen health systems. The rapid adoption of AI solutions provides tremendous potential to redress health inequities and strengthen health systems. It also entails substantial risks of deepening inequities, creating new forms of exclusion and weakening fragile health systems. Drawing on field-based case studies and interdisciplinary consultations, this paper presents an emergent research landscape that prioritizes health equity, gender equality, ethical safeguards, inclusive governance and Global South leadership. Three entry points for implementation research are proposed, which are situated within five cross-cutting prerequisites.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf016"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12282117/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144693024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"'A tough nut to crack': inconsistent standards as roadblocks to data interoperability of health information systems in public hospitals in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.","authors":"Kabelo Given Chuma","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf013","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Standards are pivotal in achieving significant levels of data interoperability in the healthcare industry. However, inconsistent data standards and ambiguous guidelines stifle data interoperability in healthcare. Public sector hospitals in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng Province, face challenges in attaining data interoperability due to discrepancies in standards. This study investigates inconsistent standards as roadblocks to data interoperability of health information systems in public hospitals in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A convergent parallel mixed methods research design was adopted, using an online questionnaire with 144 clinical and administrative personnel and semi-structured interviews with 16 managers. A multi-level sampling was used to select participants possessing the necessary expertise and experience in data interoperability and health information systems. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed using the ATLAS.ti. The results indicated that hospitals in Gauteng adhere to multiple, conflicting standards, complicating data interoperability. Key factors contributing to this issue included legacy health systems, disparate systems, insufficient knowledge and awareness, weak regulations, and limited stakeholder collaboration. Furthermore, there was a notable lack of compliance with interoperability standards among hospitals. The study underscores the pressing need for coordinated efforts from policymakers, regulatory bodies, and health stakeholders to establish and enforce policies and standardized frameworks mandating uniform standards for interoperability. In conclusion, the cohesive implementation of uniform standards for data interoperability requires a holistic approach, incorporating clear policies, ongoing compliance monitoring, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous training to ensure the efficient exchange of healthcare data.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf013"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12279051/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile phone counselling intervention for perinatal women living with HIV and depression in India.","authors":"Mona Duggal, Avina Sarna, Neha Dahiya, Roopal Jyoti Singh, Sangchoon Jeon, Anuradha Subramanian, Mamta Sood, Pushpendra Singh, Gurjinder Kaur, Nancy R Reynolds","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf012","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pregnant and postpartum women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are at high risk for perinatal depression, which can significantly undermine HIV care engagement and treatment outcomes. Despite this, depression often remains unidentified and untreated. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, fidelity, acceptability and preliminary effects of a mobile phone counselling intervention among perinatal women living with HIV and depression in India. Forty women in their third trimester (≥28 weeks of gestation) and screening positive for depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ≥13) were recruited from three government-run treatment centres in Delhi. Participants were randomized to: (a) the intervention condition, 'BEST-ma-CARE' mobile phone counselling, or (b) an attention control condition, time- and phone-matched perinatal wellness counselling. All counselling was delivered via basic mobile phones. Data were collected at baseline and follow-up at 36-40 weeks pregnancy, within 7 days of delivery and at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Overall, 82% of the participants completed the study, with higher retention in the intervention arm (90%). Engagement was also higher in the intervention group with 78% of antenatal and 95% of postnatal calls attended, compared to 70% and 80% in the control group. The intervention was highly acceptable; 76% reported it 'helped them a lot', compared to 69% in the control group. All participants (100%) appreciated scheduled counsellor calls. Both groups showed reductions in depressive symptoms and perceived illness severity, while internalized stigma increased only in the control group. Improvements in antiretroviral adherence, viral load and CD4 counts were stronger in the intervention group. Results indicate that integration of mobile phone counselling into maternal HIV care shows promise.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf012"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12143479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144251853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kamran Abbasi, Parveen Ali, Virginia Barbour, Marion Birch, Inga Blum, Peter Doherty, Andy Haines, Ira Helfand, Richard Horton, Kati Juva, Jose F Lapena, Robert Mash, Olga Mironova, Arun Mitra, Carlos Monteiro, Elena N Naumova, David Onazi, Tilman Ruff, Peush Sahni, James Tumwine, Carlos Umaña, Paul Yonga, Chris Zielinski
{"title":"Ending nuclear weapons, before they end us.","authors":"Kamran Abbasi, Parveen Ali, Virginia Barbour, Marion Birch, Inga Blum, Peter Doherty, Andy Haines, Ira Helfand, Richard Horton, Kati Juva, Jose F Lapena, Robert Mash, Olga Mironova, Arun Mitra, Carlos Monteiro, Elena N Naumova, David Onazi, Tilman Ruff, Peush Sahni, James Tumwine, Carlos Umaña, Paul Yonga, Chris Zielinski","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf009","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf009"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12085994/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144103484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Flowing data: women's views and experiences on privacy and data security when using menstrual cycle tracking apps.","authors":"Sarika Mohan, Judy Jenkins","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf011","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Menstrual cycle tracking apps are mobile applications that help female users track their menstrual cycle and gain future period predictions. Although these apps have advantages, they have been criticized for their lack of accuracy in prediction and poor adherence to privacy laws. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of users of period tracking apps with a focus on data security and privacy. Twenty-five female users between 19 and 38 years of age who have experience with menstrual app usage were interviewed via online video conferencing tools using a semi-structured interview technique. Data analysis was done using inductive thematic analysis, and eight themes were identified. The participants stated that they prefer apps that provide good period predictions and have a better user interface. They also expressed a desire to have ownership over their data and their access and that the apps should provide clearer privacy statements. The results of this study are vital for app developers to consider when designing or updating their apps to ensure that it is suited for a diverse group of end users. They must also implement stricter data protection measures so users can trust the apps with their information. Further research needs to be conducted to gain insights from different cohorts of users.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf011"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12131320/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144218474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stakeholder perceptions on institutional design of digital health regulatory frameworks: insights from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.","authors":"Sharifah Sekalala, Shajoe J Lake","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf010","DOIUrl":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital health holds significant promise for transforming healthcare but presents several risks to patients and providers, especially in fragmented regulatory terrains. Experts have articulated the need for clear digital health regulatory frameworks, but there is uncertainty surrounding the design of such frameworks with governments adopting varied models, spanning both formal and informal mechanisms. Using content analysis and a stakeholder dialogue with focus group discussions, we aimed to assess stakeholders' perceptions of the benefits, costs, risks and trade-offs of different forms of regulatory frameworks in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Stakeholders consider both formal and informal regulatory approaches to be beneficial, citing regulatory maturity, political will and financial support as key factors to consider. However, the aim of regulatory design should be patient protection, the key concern being how best to protect individuals' and engender trust between citizens and government. Moreover, while stakeholder engagement is crucial, this should be done with a clear aim and is likely best done in the latter stages of regulation to facilitate peer review of initial regulatory efforts. Overall, context-specific, iterative strategies are key for digital health regulatory design, with patient protection, inclusive stakeholder engagement, flexible regulatory tools and enduring political and institutional support being key factors to consider.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf010"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A service evaluation of virtual wards in Cornwall, UK.","authors":"Helen Lyndon, Tracey Viney, Vicki Slade","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oodh/oqaf008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This service evaluation provides an overview of the virtual ward model in Cornwall, UK, and was implemented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews were conducted with virtual ward patients and clinicians and analysed using thematic analysis. A virtual ward is a digitally enabled service enabling people requiring hospital-level care to receive that care at home, either as an alternative to hospital admission or by facilitating an earlier discharge. Four themes emerged from the data: (i) Readiness for change: the virtual ward service was not embedded in existing health provision with scepticism and reluctance to refer to the virtual ward. (ii) Confidence and trust: due to system incompatibility issues, clinicians lost confidence and trust in the remote monitoring system; however, patients had high levels of trust in the virtual ward staff, increasing their confidence to remain at home. (iii) Digital challenges: using the monitoring equipment was challenging for some patients with issues of digital exclusion including understanding the technology and connection difficulties. (iv) Impact: despite the challenges, the virtual ward was highly valued by patients and supports person-centred care, offering a safe alternative to hospital admission. Virtual wards in Cornwall were rapidly implemented leading to some implementation barriers; nonetheless, the overwhelming response from patients demonstrated how they valued the virtual ward as a viable alternative to hospital admission and how the compassion and professionalism shown by the virtual ward clinicians made them feel safe and supported in their own homes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf008"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12053098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nelly Nyaga, Elias Melli, Martin Mwangi, Milka Gicheso, Peder Digre, Steven Wanyee
{"title":"Determining the total cost of ownership and end user perception of the Kenya National Cancer Registry (NaCaRE-KE): a DHIS2- based digital health System.","authors":"Nelly Nyaga, Elias Melli, Martin Mwangi, Milka Gicheso, Peder Digre, Steven Wanyee","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oodh/oqaf007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The digital transformation of healthcare systems holds immense potential for improving healthcare delivery and achieving better health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries faced with numerous healthcare system challenges. The National Cancer Registry of Kenya (NaCaRe-KE) system is aimed at streamlining cancer surveillance data collection to inform scientific research and cancer control interventions in Kenya. This study aimed to estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the NaCaRe-KE system across five facilities with varied characteristics in Nairobi County, Kenya and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, providing insights into the financial requirements of developing and maintaining a comprehensive digital cancer registry. Leveraging quantitative methods using the Digital Square/PATH TCO tool and key informant interviews, the data revealed significant variations in the TCO based on facility size, service scope and ownership. Qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews highlighted the perceived effectiveness of NaCaRe-KE in improving operational efficiency, although challenges such as staffing shortages and technical issues limiting its effective implementation were noted. Recommendations for enhancing NaCaRe-KE's utility and sustainability include addressing technical challenges, enhancing user training and promoting institutional investment in IT support. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the financial dynamics and operational implications of digital cancer registries and provides evidence-based investments in digital health interventions in Kenya and beyond.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf007"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12011077/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prabhadini Godage, Oonagh M Giggins, Julie Doyle, Anita Byrne
{"title":"The effectiveness of mHealth mindfulness interventions on perinatal psychological health: a systematic review.","authors":"Prabhadini Godage, Oonagh M Giggins, Julie Doyle, Anita Byrne","doi":"10.1093/oodh/oqaf006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oodh/oqaf006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) delivered via mobile health (mHealth) platforms have gained attention for improving perinatal psychological health. This review systematically examines the effectiveness of mHealth MBIs in improving perinatal psychological outcomes, including stress, anxiety and depression, with a secondary focus on safety, engagement, acceptability and dropout rates. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Scopus, ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore, along with grey literature, for English-language journal articles from inception until July 2024. All included studies were assessed for methodological quality using standardized critical appraisal instrument. Significant heterogeneity in study designs, program structures and data collection methods precluded meta-analysis, leading to a narrative synthesis of the results. Fifteen studies were included, featuring a mix of quantitative and qualitative designs. Findings indicated that mHealth MBIs demonstrated promise in reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. However, participant engagement in these interventions was influenced by factors such as intervention complexity, user interface challenges and technological issues like app compatibility. Dropouts were commonly attributed to time constraints and technical difficulties, while user feedback emphasized the need for varied and flexible content to sustain interest and perceived effectiveness. Overall, mHealth MBIs offer potential benefits for perinatal psychological health, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety. However, maintaining high engagement and low dropout rates remains a challenge. Future studies should identify optimal intervention formats, enhance adherence and assess long-term impacts of mHealth MBIs to strengthen the evidence base, particularly in diverse settings and for pregnancy-related complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":520498,"journal":{"name":"Oxford open digital health","volume":"3 ","pages":"oqaf006"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11994998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}