Proposed model for evaluation of mHealth systems

Advances in mobile health (mHealth) has been notable in the last few years, but so has the problems associated with the development, implementation and sustained use of mHealth systems. After implementation, various difficulties arise contributing to being considered a failure. The purpose of the study is to create a model by which e-Health systems can be evaluated in order to ensure development for sustained use, with attention focused on aspects identified through literature. The author examines problems identified in previous research to establish difficulties and shortfalls regarding the perceived success of said systems. Patient and healthcare practitioner points-of-view, along with software and hardware considerations are taken into account. The investigation determines that the use of IT in mHealth is still dependent on serious factors influencing the realization of success of well-established as well as newly developed systems. These concerns undermine the effectiveness and usefulness of the improvement and efficiency of healthcare facilities and knowledge as a whole. The author proposes a model against which developed and developing mHealth systems can be measured in order to promote continued usage of implemented systems. This study sheds new light on little recognized issues for bringing concept and practice together in a useful, uninterrupted, and unending manner.