A systematic review of reviews to identify key research opportunities within the field of eHealth implementation

Abstract

This paper is a systematic review of the relevant literature surrounding the implementation and utilisation of eHealth in order to identify key challenges and opportunities to future eHealth applications. NHS Evidence, PubMed, IEEE Explorer, Cochrane Library and JMIR Publications were all searched for reviews published between the dates 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2017. 47 papers met the final inclusion criterion. The published literature focused on a wide array of challenges, categorised into five areas, facing the implementation and utilisation of eHealth and from this, four areas of opportunity to advance eHealth were identified. The five challenge areas are (C1) Stakeholders and System Users, (C2) Technology and Interoperability, (C3) Cost-Effectiveness and Start-up Costs, (C4) Legal Clarity and Legal Framework and (C5) Local Context and Regional Differences. The four opportunity areas are (O1) Participation and Contribution, (O2) Foundation and Sustainability, (O3) Improvement and Productivity and (O4) Identification and Application. The literature analysed in this systematic review identifies design and implementation priorities that can guide the development and utilisation of future eHealth initiatives.

SERIES: eHealth in primary care. Part 1: Concepts, conditions and challenges

“…The speed at which the field of eHealth has expanded is unparalleled [16]. In 2017 alone, 325 000 mobile health apps were available [17], although persistence with their use was often poor [18] and quality was questionable [19,20]. Policymakers are responding to this development and urge healthcare providers to integrate the use of eHealth applications into their daily practice [7–9].…”

An economic evaluation of a computer-tailored e-learning program to promote smoking cessation counseling guideline adherence among practice nurses

“…Hence, it is recommended to pursue widespread program use by PNs across the Netherlands. However, as program implementation entails challenges [40][41][42], systematic implementation research is required to ensure the development of an evidence-based implementation plan. Such a plan should be supported by the program's target group and other relevant stakeholders to develop a practically feasible implementation approach [43,44].…”

How to support a co-creative research approach in order to foster impact. The development of a Co-creation Impact Compass for healthcare researchers

“…We have to develop together without competition. 4. The researchers realized that they often use traditional research methods to gain insight into the needs of potential end-users, like interviews, focus groups, and surveys.…”

“…Co-creation would lead to outcomes that are more likely to be acceptable, valuable, and enduring than traditional research approaches [3]. It has been associated with significant societal impact [2] through better implementation and utilization of products and services [4].…”