Overcoming the barriers of mobile health that hamper sustainability in low-resource environments

Abstract Aim This research aims to identify response strategies that non-profit organizations (NPOs) can apply overcome the barriers hamper sustainable use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in low-resource environments (LREs), such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Subject and method A qualitative study on mHealth initiatives SSA is conducted through semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants NPOs operate manage this region. The focus identifying existing enable long-term running interventions. Results Building grounded theory techniques, collected data guided us towards a process model identifies four aggregated categories challenging areas require (economy, environment, technology, user acceptance). Conclusion provides contributions from implications for researchers. Health practitioners are provided knowledge base what expect how them, strive implementation very beginning an intervention. identified structures time-based agenda thus makes theoretical contribution. Overall, addresses need consideration “pilotitis” phenomenon, which currently hampers scaling up initiatives. While specifically initiatives, overall findings help prevent discontinuance projects future after pilot, facilitate LREs their way universal coverage.