Context-dependency of Digital Health Strategies

Name: Robin Kim
School: Mailman School of Public Health, Class of 2024
Mentor: Sylvana Sinha, Esq. and Kim Hekimian, PhD

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Abstract

Research Question: What are the actual healthcare consumer preferences with regards to digital health and how should implementation strategy evolve to satisfy those behavioral tendencies?

Background: Digital modalities such as mobile and telehealth have been heralded as the solution to improving healthcare access in under resourced healthcare systems such as Bangladesh’s. However, despite the widespread penetration of wireless connectivity, implementation and uptake of these technologies have lagged behind. This project took place within the corporate office of Praava Health, a Dhaka-based primary healthcare facility pioneering digital health solutions in Bangladesh.

Methods: A qualitative analysis of the various digital services offered by Praava Health is in progress and set to continue through the end of 2023. These services include an electronic health record system, a comprehensive mobile patient app, and a WebMD-inspired medical repository designed for a Bangladeshi audience.

Results: Early findings indicate a strong consumer preference for face-to-face interaction with doctors, despite accessibility barriers such as travel time and cost. Additionally, remote or video patients demonstrate lower rates of follow-through with prescribed medical services.

Conclusions: These results challenge assumptions about the demand for digital health solutions in under-resourced healthcare settings. In particular, for private enterprises such as Praava Health, there remain significant gaps in understanding of consumer preferences to make digital health economically viable. These technologies require significant capital investment and likely will not yield immediate financial returns. Post-hoc analysis of the implementation of various digital health products will further elucidate the context-dependent elements of digital health strategy.