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. 2023 Sep 28;20(19):6854.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph20196854.

Digital Health Interventions to Improve Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care Services: A Scoping Review

Daniel Erku  1   2   3 , Resham Khatri  3 , Aklilu Endalamaw  3   4 , Eskinder Wolka  5 , Frehiwot Nigatu  5 , Anteneh Zewdie  5 , Yibeltal Assefa  3
Affiliations

Digital Health Interventions to Improve Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care Services: A Scoping Review

Daniel Erku et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Global digital technology advances offer the potential to enhance primary health care (PHC) quality, reach, and efficiency, driving toward universal health coverage (UHC). This scoping review explored how digital health solutions aid PHC delivery and UHC realization by examining the context, mechanisms, and outcomes of eHealth interventions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, capturing qualitative and quantitative studies, process evaluations, and systematic or scoping reviews. Our analysis of 65 articles revealed that a well-functioning digital ecosystem-featuring adaptable, interoperable digital tools, robust Information and Communications Technology foundations, and enabling environments-is pivotal for eHealth interventions' success. Facilities with better digital literacy, motivated staff, and adequate funding demonstrated a higher adoption of eHealth technologies, leading to improved, coordinated service delivery and higher patient satisfaction. However, eHealth's potential is often restricted by existing socio-cultural norms, geographical inequities in technology access, and digital literacy disparities. Our review underscores the importance of considering the digital ecosystem's readiness, user behavior, broader health system requirements, and PHC capacity for adopting digital solutions while assessing digital health interventions' impact.

Keywords: digital health; eHealth; mHealth; primary healthcare; universal health coverage.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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