Use of mobile phones for rehabilitative services among prosthetics users in rural Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda: findings from a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Digital technologies such as mobile phones have shown potential as vital tools for use in healthcare and related services. However, little has been done to explore its use for prosthetics rehabilitative services, especially in the Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda. We address this gap by exploring ownership of the mobile phone, knowledge of the use of mobile phone applications, use of mobile phones for prosthetics rehabilitative services and challenges faced in using the mobile phones. Methods A case study design was used. We conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews with 16 prosthetics users spread in the four districts of Nwoya, Amuru, Omoro, and Gulu of the Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda. We transcribed the data verbatim and explored the contents thematically to derive themes. Results More prosthetics users (63%) owned mobile phones compared to those without (37%). Many who owned and use mobile phones are knowledgeable about applications for calls and messaging (47%). Some prosthetics users are knowledgeable in mobile money applications (21%), call applications only (16%) and, others were able to use the internet (16%). Many of the prosthetics users in this study use mobile phones to seek information, mainly relating to the management of prosthetics and treatment of diseases. Many participants were positive about the benefits of the use of mobile phones for prosthetics rehabilitation and related services. Common challenges affecting the use of mobile phones include the expensive price of airtime, few places for charging mobile phones, lack of electricity and inadequate skills to operate a mobile phone. Conclusion The use of mobile phones can break down barriers created by distance and allow effective communication linkages between prosthetics users and rehabilitation services. Our results suggest that some prosthetics users owned mobile phones and used them to seek information relating to prosthetics rehabilitation services. We believe that promoting the use of the mobile phone for prosthetic rehabilitative services among prosthetics users is necessary and should be considered for practical and policy discussion relating to its use for prosthetics rehabilitation in rural areas.

Is E-health the Future for Stroke Rehabilitation? Health Professionals’ Experiences of Implementation of a Mobile Phone-supported and Family Centred Rehabilitation Intervention After Stroke in Uganda

“…Furthermore, the mobile phone was often switched off, discharged or the patient or relatives did not have the phone with them. Yagos et al (13) found similar challenges in the use of mobile phones within rehabilitation in Uganda such as lack of places for charging mobile phones, lack of electricity, inadequate skills to operate a mobile phone, and the high price for airtime. However, despite the challenges the participants in the present study were positive about using mobile phones in rehabilitation.…”

“…E-health tools are mobile-and xed phones, text and multimedia messaging and voice over internet protocol, which encourage communication between patient and healthcare providers. There are several studies showing that ICT have a potential to improve healthcare and related services, e.g., a way for health professionals and patients to communicate, to spread knowledge about health, data collection, patient monitoring and other healthcare-related communication (11)(12)(13).…”

“…Embracing e-health presumes to improve accessibility to quality and equitable healthcare, especially for the vulnerable and poor communities. Doctors consult and diagnose remotely, access patients' medical information, provide health information data and in addition facilitate research studies, which especially has bene ted the rural communities, but also opens possibilities for innovations (11,13,14). Common barriers for implementation and use of ICT in health centres are loss of internet connectivity, inadequate power supplies or power blackouts, and inadequate ICT knowledge (11,14).…”

Investigating the healthcare-seeking behaviors of mobile phone users in rural Uganda

“…throughout Uganda, especially in remote regions of the country [38][39][40]. Consequently, it was assumed that mobile phone access equated to utilization in this inquiry.…”

“…Finally, knowledge of the extent and amount of mobile phone usage and access by the women surveyed was limited in this study. Digital illiteracy, limited availability of chargers and electricity, expensive data and airtime costs, and unequal phone sharing have been documented throughout Uganda, especially in remote regions of the country [38–40]. Consequently, it was assumed that mobile phone access equated to utilization in this inquiry.…”