Integrated mobile health systems: role of socio-cultural factors and the socio-technical systems approach

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of socio-cultural factors in strengthening integrated mobile health systems. Emphasis is placed on the importance that any initiative in mobile health should consider the analysis of socio-cultural factors during the process of the development and implementation of programs and research interventions. The socio-cultural and socio-technical approach also consider the human factor and considers the conditions of the environment and the context beyond the technological resources of the mobile health system and the infrastructure that supports it. Methodologies such as observational studies, focus groups, and in-depth interviews should be included ideally in any mobile health study. We also present a case study in the north area of Lima (Peru), adapting the Community-Based Participatory Research platform that is based on a socio-technical approach and evaluates the socio-cultural approach with the objective to optimize the diagnosis process of tuberculosis using mobile health.