Current Status of Barriers to mHealth Access Among Patients With Stroke and Steps Toward the Digital Health Era: Systematic Review

• Main Authors: Atsadaporn Niyomyart (Author), Suebsarn Ruksakulpiwat (Author), Chitchanok Benjasirisan (Author), Lalipat Phianhasin (Author), Kabtamu Nigussie (Author), Sutthinee Thorngthip (Author), Gazi Shamita (Author), Jai Thampakkul (Author), Lidya Begashaw (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: JMIR Publications, 2024-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2291-5222; 10.2196/54511
• Keywords: Information technology; T58.5-58.64; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: JMIR mHealth and uHealth, Vol 12, p e54511 (2024)

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) offers significant benefits for patients with stroke, facilitating remote monitoring and personalized health care solutions beyond traditional settings. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive data, particularly qualitative insights, on the barriers to mHealth access. Understanding these barriers is crucial for devising strategies to enhance mHealth use among patients with stroke. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the recent literature focusing on barriers to mHealth access among patients with stroke. MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL Plus Full Text was conducted for literature published between 2017 and 2023. Abstracts and full texts were independently screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data synthesis was performed using the convergent integrated analysis framework recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. ResultsA total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority were qualitative studies (about 42%), followed by mixed methods (25%), pilot studies (about 17%), nonrandomized controlled trials (about 8%), and observational studies (about 8%). Participants included patients with stroke, caregivers, and various health care professionals. The most common mHealth practices were home-based telerehabilitation (30%) and poststroke mHealth and telecare services (20%). Identified barriers were categorized into two primary themes: (1) at the patient level and (2) at the health provider-patient-device interaction level. The first theme includes 2 subthemes: health-related issues and patient acceptability. The second theme encompassed 3 subthemes: infrastructure challenges (including software, networking, and hardware), support system deficiencies, and time constraints. ConclusionsThis systematic review underscores significant barriers to mHealth adoption among patients with stroke. Addressing these barriers in future research is imperative to ensure that mHealth solutions effectively meet patients' needs.