Understanding the Influence of Mobile Technology as HIS Intervention for Improved Management and Treatment of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia

The use of various Health Information System (HIS) interventions such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telemedicine, and videoconferencing technologies have greatly transformed the healthcare system in developing nations by supporting the provision of medical care and public health services. However, minimal information is available in the use of mobile technology---the use of portable devices such as smart phones, cell phones, Portable Digital Assistants (PDA), and related devices---as HIS intervention strategies to address health services in developing nations. Mobile technology is reported to be increasingly helpful in meeting the needs of the healthcare sector in developing nations such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from the sociotechnical theory, the purpose of this descriptive and interpretive qualitative case study was to understand the influence of mobile technology toward improved management and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the public health sector of Ethiopia, a sub-Saharan African country. Purposive sampling was used to include 3 research organizations and 60 research participants who are currently active in supporting the improvement of health services in Ethiopia using mobile technology. This study used an in-depth and open-ended interview method, and the data were transcribed and coded to identify underlying themes for analysis. A key finding of the research was that mobile health technology has a positive impact in the management and treatment of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The research findings contribute to positive social change by providing information policy makers can use to transform HIV/AIDS realities through mobile technology-based HIS reforms.