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. 2014 Dec 31;11(1):136.
doi: 10.1186/s12982-014-0021-4. eCollection 2014.

Addressing healthy aging populations in developing countries: unlocking the opportunity of eHealth and mHealth

Cesar Henriquez-Camacho  1 , Juan Losa  2 , J Jaime Miranda  3 , Natalie E Cheyne  4
Affiliations

Addressing healthy aging populations in developing countries: unlocking the opportunity of eHealth and mHealth

Cesar Henriquez-Camacho et al. Emerg Themes Epidemiol. .

Abstract

Aging societies worldwide propose a significant challenge to the model and organisation of the delivery of healthcare services. In developing countries, communicable and non-communicable diseases are affecting how the ageing population access healthcare; this could be due to varying reasons such as geographical barriers, limited financial support and poor literacy. New information and communication technology, such as eHealth have the potential to improve access to healthcare, information exchange and improving public and personalised medicine for elderly groups. In this article we will first frame the context of information and communication technologies in light of an aging landscape. We will also discuss the problems related to implementing the needed infrastructure for uptake of new technology, with particular emphasis on developing countries. In so doing, we highlight areas where newer technologies can serve as promising tools or vehicles to address health and healthcare-related gaps and needs of elderly people living in resource-constrained settings.

Keywords: Ageing population; Developing world; Technology; eHealth; mHealth.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Architecture of eHealth. Patients in rural areas visit medical centers. Basic medical data (radiology, laboratory/urinary test, microbiology, photos/videos, etc.) is sent to ehealth platform (network server) at secondary referral hospital where specialists analyze information. Finally, diagnosis and prescription information is sent to healthcare workers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Architecture of mHealth. Smartphone’s patient with different devices/sensors (accelerometer, pulse and oxygen blood sensor, blood pressure, body temperature, weight, glucometer, electrocardiogram, ocular/ultrasound devices) send information to a network server/cloud. This information can be used to monitor in real time the state of the patient. Data is visualized in real time and healthcare workers can support patients directly or share information to specialists at secondary referral hospital, if needed. Finally, diagnosis and prescription information is sent to the patient.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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