Table 4.
Healthcare provider open-ended responses on sexual and reproductive health mobile apps and alignment with WHO classification of digital health interventions v1.04 (n = 245).
| Theme | Illustrative Quotation | |
|---|---|---|
| Security and confidentiality | Concerns about cybersecurity although I don’t know enough about the risks. (US) | |
| (Concerns include) confidentiality of mobile apps or digital interventions (Switzerland) | ||
| Access | Benefits for youth | A reliable, up-to-date and simple to use online/mobile source of information would be highly beneficial, especially to younger populations. (Croatia) (1.61. client look up of information) |
| Mobile application on SRH is very important currently for young people since everyone at least has a smartphone. (Uganda) (1.1.2 targeted health information to client based on demographics) | ||
| Benefits for rural areas | Through social media, online app and for uneducated women in remote areas, we make use of mobile services (Nigeria) (1.1.2 targeted health information to client based on demographics) | |
| Community engagement | Online mobile devices. Education for community leaders to mitigate sociological/cultural/religious factors. (US) (1.1.1 health event alerts, and 1.1.2 health information, to specific population groups) | |
| Community mobilization and sensitization is key to inform the communities about the services (RSA) (1.3.1 peer group for clients) | ||
| Linkage to healthcare | The mobile app on SRH should have facility names close to patient communities, community workers should equipped to rendered health care services in their various communities and referrals when necessary. (Nigeria) (2.4.2 remote monitoring of client health or diagnostic data by provider) | |
| With a list of health services in the area; an application for mobiles with this information. (Brazil) (1.6.1 client look-up of health information) | ||
| Provide app, online services and information, ideally for free, including treatment and follow-up. (Mexico) (1.1.2 targeted health information to client based on health status/demographics) | ||
| In the app, there is a constant reminder for the patient to visit a healthcare provider and log the details in the app with follow ups. (Kenya) (1.1.3 targeted alerts and reminders to clients) | ||
| With a cell phone application, a page on the internet where you enter your test result or with a chip to detect the result and upload it. (Brazil) (1.4.2 self monitoring of diagnostic data) | ||
| Considerations | Vulnerable may have limited access to internet | Does not work if the person doesn’t have a computer, smart phone or regular internet access. Vulnerable populations struggle to use online interventions regardless if they are free (UK) |
| An online platform so that those who are afraid to go to the clinic can get right medical attention and for those who can’t access internet, give a free toll number or rather employ nearby health workers in the community the client is. (Kenya) (2.4.1 consultation between remote client and healthcare provider) | ||
| Training needs (aligns with 2.8: Healthcare Provider Training, 2.8.1 training content to healthcare providers) | Training on mobile app usage in rendering services. (Ghana) | |
| Online training courses, links to valid sources of information like the WHO (Kenya) | ||
| Training on self testing kits and how to use reproductive health mobile apps (Kenya) | ||
| Online tutorial by healthcare providers (UK) and online workshops (Uruguay) |