Jones-Esan, Lawrence ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9493-006X, Somasiri, Nalinda ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6311-2251 and Lorne, Keda (2024) Enhancing Healthcare Delivery Through Digital Health Interventions: A Systematic Review on Telemedicine and Mobile Health Applications in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Research Square.

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Abstract

This study explores the role of telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) technologies in improving healthcare delivery within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A thorough review of existing literature reveals that these technologies have made significant strides in enhancing healthcare access, diagnostics, and patient outcomes, particularly in underserved and remote areas. Key findings indicate that telemedicine has played a crucial role in enabling early disease detection, boosting maternal and child health, and promoting improved medication adherence among patients. Nevertheless, the study also uncovers significant barriers that impede the effective implementation of these technologies, including inadequate infrastructure, unreliable internet connections, limited digital literacy, regulatory challenges, lack of funding, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. Additionally, the review notes its limitations, such as the omission of grey literature and inconsistencies in regional research coverage, which may impact the overall findings. To address these challenges, the study emphasises the need for LMICs to invest in technological infrastructure, improve digital literacy, create comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and secure sustainable funding sources. Furthermore, integrating telemedicine into national healthcare strategies and enhancing public awareness are critical steps to fully leverage the advantages of these technologies, ultimately fostering equitable healthcare access and improved health outcomes in resource-constrained environments.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.21203/rs.3.rs-5189203/v1
School/Department:	London Campus
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/10835

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