Bronwyn Harris, Motunrayo Ajisola, Raisa Meher Alam, Jocelyn Anstey Watkins, Theodoros N Arvanitis, Pauline Bakibinga, Beatrice Chipwaza, Nazratun Nayeem Choudhury, Peter Kibe, Olufunke Fayehun, Akinyinka Omigbodun, Eme Owoaje, Senga Pemba, Rachel Potter, Narjis Rizvi, Jackie Sturt, Jonathan Cave, Romaina Iqbal, Caroline Kabaria, Albino Kalolo, Catherine Kyobutungi, Richard J Lilford, Titus Mashanya, Sylvester Ndegese, Omar Rahman, Saleem Sayani, Rita Yusuf, Frances Griffiths
Objective: Remote or mobile consulting is being promoted to strengthen health systems, deliver universal health coverage and facilitate safe clinical communication during coronavirus disease 2019 and beyond. We explored whether mobile consulting is a viable option for communities with minimal resources in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We reviewed evidence published since 2018 about mobile consulting in low- and middle-income countries and undertook a scoping study (pre-coronavirus disease) in two rural settings (Pakistan and Tanzania) and five urban slums (Kenya, Nigeria and Bangladesh), using policy/document review, secondary analysis of survey data (from the urban sites) and thematic analysis of interviews/workshops with community members, healthcare workers, digital/telecommunications experts, mobile consulting providers, and local and national decision-makers...
January 2021: Digital Health