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Background: Digital health interventions have gained significant attention in recent years as a
means of improving health care delivery and outcomes. In Ghana, where access to quality
healthcare services remains a challenge, exploring the strengths, and limitations of digital health
interventions is crucial.
General Aim: This systematic review aimed to explore the trends, strengths, and limitations of
digital health interventions in Ghana. By analyzing the characteristics of the included studies,
targeted populations, intervention strategies, comparators, outcomes, and study designs, this study
offers a comprehensive overview of the status of digital health initiatives in the country.
Methodology: Employing a systematic review methodology, this study involved a literature
search across multiple databases, data extraction, quality appraisal, and synthesis. Two
independent reviewers screened and assessed studies for inclusion, with data extraction forms
pilot-tested for accuracy and consistency. The analysis utilized the PICOS framework, focusing
on both qualitative and descriptive synthesis.
Findings: This review identified 29 relevant studies, published between 2004 and 2024, which
address diverse health interventions using digital technologies across Ghana. 22 digital health
interventions were identified in Ghana. These DHIs include mHealth, telemedicine, health
information management systems, and electronic health records (EHRs), predominantly targeting
general healthcare delivery, maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and specific conditions
like dermatology and ophthalmology. 54.5% of these interventions were directed at both rural and
urban areas, highlighting the country’s effort to address healthcare disparities. Findings indicate
that DHIs enhance patient care, data management, and access to healthcare, especially in remote
regions. They facilitate improved communication between patients and healthcare providers,
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reduce logistical barriers, and streamline healthcare processes. However, several limitations were
identified, including infrastructural challenges like unreliable power supply and internet
connectivity, human resource constraints, financial limitations, and the need for improved user
training and system design. These factors hinder the full utilization and impact of DHIs,
particularly in rural settings. Despite these barriers, the study concludes that digital health
interventions hold significant potential for improving healthcare delivery in Ghana, provided that
technical and operational challenges are addressed.
Conclusion: Digital health interventions hold substantial promise for addressing healthcare
challenges in Ghana. This systematic review provides a detailed analysis of current initiatives,
revealing their potential to improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and outcomes. The study
underscores the need for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy support to foster
the sustainable integration of DHIs into the healthcare system. The insights gained can guide future
research, policy formulation, and implementation of digital health strategies in Ghana, contributing
to the achievement of universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. |
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