Development of a mobile health infrastructure for non-communicable diseases using design science research method: a case study

Abstract

In this paper, we share our experience in designing and developing a mobile health (mHealth) infrastructure for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in rural areas in Indonesia called NusaHealth. The NusaHealth project builds a digital healthcare infrastructure involving universities, healthcare providers, and communities in an mHealth approach that puts patients at the center of health care. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) framework was adopted in designing the mHealth application. The infrastructure to connect the mobile device network with the hospital information system was also developed. Our finding indicates that designing and developing an mHealth solution for rural areas in developing countries needs comprehensive approach and the implementation process should involve related partners and stakeholders. The NusaHealth was implemented in rural areas in Yogyakarta province in Indonesia. While Yogyakarta province successfully implemented the NusaHealth in rural areas, different activities need to be conducted to enhance community health by developing a formal mHealth system supported by local health district offices’ policies and regulations.