Summary: ChildCount+ is an mHealth platform developed by the Millennium Villages Project aimed at empowering communities to improve child survival and maternal health.  The three primary objectives are to:

Summary: MDNet is a low-cost, high-impact healthcare initiative built to improve the way healthcare professionals interact in African countries. MDNet creates free mobile phone networks amongst physicians within countries in Africa. The communications initiative—the first of its kind in Africa—advances the transfer of medical knowledge and emergency response, improving healthcare and ultimately saving lives. 

Summary: In the developing world, lack of infrastructure prevents health workers from delivering efficient healthcare to rural areas. As health workers travel from clinics to reach isolated patients, they are often as disconnected from central clinics as the patients they are trying to serve. Many gaps and shortcomings of health systems can be addressed using simple, locally appropriate communication technologies.

Summary: FHI's Mobile for Reproductive Health (m4RH) project has developed a set of text messages on family planning methods that users can access via their mobile phones. The messages are based on evidence-based information, including the World Health Organization family planning handbook for providers, and crafted specifically for short message service (SMS) or text message use. Each message is designed and tested to ensure user comprehension within the 160 character limit.

Summary: My Question’ (MyQ),a three in one service which allows young Nigerians to ask sexual and reproductive health questions via text, call or online with trained counsellors responding within 24 hours.

Summary: Project Masiluleke aims to raise widespread public awareness about how to access help; move people to take action resulting in their getting tested for HIV and TB; get those who test positive into treatment; and help them adhere to effective individualized treatment plans that will extend their lives and reduce the human, community, and economic losses associated with what would otherwise be certain and untimely death.The three main project components that support those outcomes are: 1.

Summary: The SIMpill Medication Adherence System will monitor the patient's medication schedule and intake of medication and remind patients and carers as necessary by sending a text message to the patient and/or carers mobile phone if the patient does not take their medication as prescribed. All monitoring and reminders happen in real-time.

Summary: The SMS for Life initiative is a new 'public-private' project that harnesses everyday technology to eliminate stock-outs and improve access to essential medicines in sub-Saharan Africa. If successful, this project could have far-reaching beneficial implications for existing health systems. Stock-outs of any number of essential health commodities could be eliminated by this innovative process and enable timely tracking and management of supplies and their delivery to the communities where they are needed most.

Summary: Launched in September 2008, the Text Me! Flash Me! Helpline uses cell phone technology to provide most-at-risk populations (MARP) in Ghana with friendly and accessible HIV and AIDS information, referrals, and counseling services from qualified providers. While the initial pilot reached out to men who have sex with men (MSM) exclusively, it was expanded in February 2009 to include female sex workers (FSW).

Summary: TxtAlert is a mobile technology tool developed by Praekelt Foundation. It sends automated, personalized SMS reminders to patients on chronic medication. Apart from notifying patients of their upcoming appointments, TxtAlert also allows patients to reschedule their appointments if they are unable to attend, or if they've missed an appointment.

Summary: The Uganda Health Information Network (UHIN) was conceived in 2003 to provide
two-way access to information utilizing existing cellular telephone network and
low-cost, simple to use, and energy efficient handheld computers (also known as
Personal Digital Assistant or PDA) for supporting health information
dissemination, data collection and reporting, and email exchange.

OBJECTIVES: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) scale-up in sub-Saharan Africa has made it possible to investigate the maintenance of adherence to HIV medications. We describe here adherence to ART and identify its correlates in the Cameroonian context. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study in 9 rural district hospitals. METHODS: A mixed logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with adherence to ART in 401 patients with data prospectively collected on adherence.

The increase in cell phone use has manifested a growing interest in using this technology for health promotion. The portability and 'always on' features of the cell phone, along with increasing capability for the devices to carry and transfer data suggest that they will reach more people than computers and the Internet in coming years.

 Limitations in infrastructure and communication in LMICs contribute to service inequity in transmitting diagnostic and microscopy images. The use of mobile phones has been seen as a novel way to connect patients in the most remote locations. A feasibility study was done in two districts in Uganda to pilot the performance of mobile-based imaging and data transfer. Microscopy images were captured in a clinical setting and then transferred to a database for an assessment.

Mobile phone access in low and middle-income countries is rapidly expanding and offers an opportunity to leverage limited human resources for health. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation of a cluster-randomized trial exploratory substudy on the impact of a mHealth (mobile phone) support intervention used by community-based peer health workers (PHW) on AIDS care in rural Uganda. 29 PHWs at 10 clinics were randomized by clinic to receive the intervention or not. PHWs used phones to call and text higher level providers with patient-specific clinical information.

According to industry estimates, there are more than 500 million mobile phone subscribers in Africa now, up from 246 million in 2008. With this is a great opportunity to take advantage of this technology. MobileMonday (MoMo) which is "an open community platform of mobile industry visionaries, developers, and influencial individuals fostering brand neutral cooperation and cross-border P2P business opportunities", has created a report that highlights the mobile's success.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence on whether growing mobile phone availability in sub-Saharan Africa can be used to promote high adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study tested the efficacy of short message service (SMS) reminders on adherence to ART among patients attending a rural clinic in Kenya. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial of four SMS reminder interventions with 48 weeks of follow-up.

 The massive increase in funding for malaria control in the past decade1 has led to a sharp rise in the procurement of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs)-the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, availability of these life-saving drugs varies between countries, and positive health outcomes need not only ACTs to be available at all levels of the health-care system, but also health workers to prescribe them according to national guidelines and patients to adhere to their treatment regimens.

 Conducting clinical trials in developing countries often presents significant ethical, organisational, cultural and infrastructural challenges to researchers, pharmaceutical companies, sponsors and regulatory bodies. Globally, these regions are under-represented in research, yet this population stands to gain more from research in these settings as the burdens on health are greater than those in developed resourceful countries.

Background: Health workers' malaria case-management practices often diff er from national guidelines. We assessed whether text-message reminders sent to health workers' mobile phones could improve and maintain their adherence to treatment guidelines for outpatient paediatric malaria in Kenya. Methods: From March 6, 2009, to May 31, 2010, we did a cluster-randomised controlled trial at 107 rural health facilities in 11 districts in coastal and western Kenya.

 Quality health management requires timely and accurate data, and paper-based reporting does not fill this role adequately. The introduction of malaria rapid diagnostic tests and the availability of wireless communications present an opportunity to open direct data transmission and feedback between peripheral health workers and central managers. In November 2009, the Uganda Ministry of Health deployed a short message service-based reporting system in two districts.

Visual inspection of the cervix with application of 4% acetic acid (VIA) is an inexpensive alternative to cytology-based screening in areas where resources are limited, such as in many developing countries. We have examined the diagnostic agreement between off-site (remote) expert diagnosis using photographs of the cervix (photographic inspection with acetic acid, PIA) and in-person VIA. The images for remote evaluation were taken with a mobile phone and transmitted by MMS.

Limited health service provision in many developing countries is exemplified by the shortage of skilled health workers. Geographic barriers are one of the many factors inhibit patient care and communication from practitioners. Community health workers (CHWs) have long filled the patient-physician void but still have to contend with the time associated with travel to remote locations. The focus on this study is on the novel application of Frontline SMS network in Malawi to strengthening communication between CHWs and district-level physicians. Frontline was piloted with 75 CHWs in St.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the most serious threats to global health. HIV/AIDS is a chronic illness, requiring patient empowerment to enhance adherence to treatment regimes if it is to be managed effectively. While healthcare costs are rising, people still have expectations of high-quality care. This literature review-based study explored the use of cell phone (mobile phone) short messaging services (SMS) in health care, in particular for HIV/AIDS in South Africa. From an initial corpus of 212 papers, 28 were reviewed.

 Four million people are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. Sustained adherence to ART is necessary for viral suppression. Monitoring adherence is commonly done through patient interviews and self-reporting of wellbeing. Sustaining adherence can be supported by mHealth application. The article assesses the feasibility of a study that uses interactive voice response (IVR) and SMS text messaging for data collection on adherence monitoring with 19 caregivers of HIV-infected children in rural Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Mobile (cell) phone communication has been suggested as a method to improve delivery of health services. However, data on the effects of mobile health technology on patient outcomes in resource-limited settings are limited. We aimed to assess whether mobile phone communication between health-care workers and patients starting antiretroviral therapy in Kenya improved drug adherence and suppression of plasma HIV-1 RNA load. METHODS: WelTel Kenya1 was a multisite randomised clinical trial of HIV-infected adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in three clinics in Kenya.

Summary: In rural locations, doctors and nurses are often acting in isolation, separated from the medical community and easy access to information.

The rapid adoption of mobile phones among users in the developing countries has facilitated better access to care for at-risk populations including tuberculosis (TB) patients. The Stop TB Partnership’s Direct Observation of Treatment (DOT) initiated a mobile iteration of its program or Mobile Direct Observation of Treatment (MDOT). The DOT regimen normally requires a healthcare professional to oversee a TB patient face-to-face take medication.

Summary: Mobile-based social network dedicated to the empowerment of young people and the prevention of HIV.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Effective malaria control depends on timely acquisition of information on new cases, their location and their frequency so as to deploy supplies, plan interventions or focus attention on specific locations appropriately to intervene and prevent an upsurge in transmission. The process is known as active case detection, but because the information is time sensitive, it is difficult to carry out.

A paper-based sentinel surveillance of infectious disease outbreak in Madagascar used only a passive approach until early 2007. Low diagnosis of new cases of disease remained in remote regions. Tthe Indian Ocean chikungunya outbreak highlighted the absence of an efficient surveillance system and drew attention to the necessary upgrade of passive systems for the early detection of outbreaks.

The maintenance of adequate anti-malarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)  in health facilities is a major logistics challenge for the national health system in Tanzania. Supported by the Roll Back Malaria partnership, a 21-week ‘SMS for Life’ Pilot was implemented by a private-public partnership to improve supply chain management of ACT access and stock levels in 129 health facilities through a novel data processing system, used in mobile phones.

Nearly 22 million people live with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, with the rate of uptake in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) increasing among these populations. Near perfect treatment adherence is important to virologic suppression and missed visits for treatment contribute toward virologic failure. High levels of adherence in resource-limited settings are possible with novel solutions in the integration of mHealth into ART services. The study assessed mobile phone access and use in an ART cohort in rural Uganda to determine its feasibility for adherence improvement.

Abstract: In 2005, Population Services International launched the Ligne Verte toll-free family planning hotline in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of its the family planning program.  This pilot program provides confidential, accurate family planning information, and refers potential users to the Confiance network of family planning clinics and pharmacies. From 2005-2008, the Ligne Verte received greater than 80,000 calls, over 80% of which were from men.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Handheld computers (personal digital assistant, PDA) have the potential to reduce the logistic burden, cost, and error rate of paper-based health research data collection, but there is a lack of appropriate software. The present work describes the development and evaluation of PDACT, a Personal Data Collection Toolset (www.healthware.org/pdact/index.htm) for the Palm Pilot handheld computer for interviewer-administered and respondent-administered data collection.

Abstract: The shortage of physicians has severely limited the expansion of AIDS treatment programs in Africa. This paper presents a novel approach to scaling up treatment utilising counsellors with specially developed clinical algorithms on a hand-held computer to screen patients and maintain patient records in settings where doctors are limited. We screened AIDS patients in two clinics in South Africa to determine whether they could safely continue their current treatment regimen or required consultation with a physician.

Summary: Studies have indicated that reminding people to take their medication can increase adherence, and that people with higher levels of health literacy adhere better to their medication. Given South Africa’s high HIV prevalence rate and the urgent need to get people on treatment and adhering to it, Cell-Life decided to pilot daily SMS reminders to members of  ‘adherence clubs’ run by the TAC and the Department of Health at Site B clinic in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

BACKGROUND: The objectives are to compare the effectiveness of cell phone-supported SMS messaging to standard care on adherence, quality of life, retention, and mortality in a population receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS AND DESIGN: A multi-site randomized controlled open-label trial. A central randomization centre provided opaque envelopes to allocate treatments.

In the context of poor research infrastructure, large-scale paper-based data collection has been mired by challenges such as errors, prohibitive costs, and additional time needed for data entry.  A study was developed to assess the feasibility to which community health workers (CHWs) can be trained to use mobile phones as data collection instruments for a baseline survey. The study was conducted in a peri-urban setting in South Africa and none of the CHWs had experience in data collection but all had mobiles.

Summary: Text messages providing 1) HIV/AIDS quiz and 2) referral to HIV counseling and testing.  Quiz format builds on proven advantages of interactivity for health education in general. SMS referral to HIV counseling and testing could defer barriers to accessing information at clinics (long lines, lack of privacy).

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess our experiences of using hand-held computers (personal digital assistants, PDAs) for direct data capture in a large community-based geo-referenced survey in rural Burkina Faso, highlighting benefits and lessons learnt from their use. METHODS: A population-based geo-referenced survey of over 500 000 people was undertaken using PDAs with in-built GPS receivers and the resulting database analysed in terms of successful completion, error rates and interview durations.

Abstract: The Leading Edge in the August 2008 issue questioned, "Does HIV/AIDS still require an exceptional response" in relation to the potential imbalance of global health-care resources? In the midst of the unchecked and deadly pandemic the answer is yes; especially if local resources are used and management of other endemic health problems can also benefit.

Summary: This is an editorial looking at the advantages and challenges faced in making use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for routine data collection in low income countries. It refers to a particular study in Angola where they compared using a paper and pencil survey to a PDA survey. They found that there is a difference in response rate that could be due to lack of information about ICT in low income countries. It also includes useful steps to take for introducing ICT into a low income country setting. 

The Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) has piloted a mHealth initiative with peer health workers (PHWs) for a rural ART program in Rakai, Uganda. PHWs are assigned between 15 and 20 patients for biweekly home visits. Nine PHWs were trained send to SMS messages with clinical and adherence data for higher-ranked providers. The pilot found that mobile phone were a simple support strategy in capturing data and following-up with adherence to home-based ART treatment. The system was optimal for heightened communication between PHWs and higher-level providers.  

Survey on Cell phones access, usage and privacy for making use of SMS for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence. This source on a developing country is non peer-reviewed.

Abstract: Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are extending how we use software normally associated with desktop and laptop computers. As interface design improves and specialized software becomes available, health professionals are choosing to usePDAs. A logical next step to use PDAs is in remote areas where electronic data collection is needed and electricity is limited. A test of PDAs', equipped with global positioning system, ability to improve household surveys in rural Mozambique was completed in February 2006.

Summary: The Rural Extended Services and Care for Ultimate Emergency Relief (RESCUER) project was launched in March 1996, on a pilot basis, in Iganga district in Eastern Uganda. The project helped empower a network of Traditional Birth Attendants to partner with the public health service centers to deliver health care to pregnant women. This resulted in increased and more timely patient referrals as well as the delivery of health care to a larger number of pregnant women.

Summary: Freedom HIV/AIDS comprises of four mobile games targeting different mindsets and psychology of mobile users. This methodology makes learning not only exciting and engaging but helps in better enhancement and retention of knowledge.

Summary: In the developing world, lack of infrastructure prevents health workers from delivering efficient healthcare to rural areas. As health workers travel from clinics to reach isolated patients, they are often as disconnected from central clinics as the patients they are trying to serve. Many gaps and shortcomings of health systems can be addressed using simple, locally appropriate communication technologies.

The technology that has been able to straddle the digital divide most effectively in resource-constrained settings has been the mobile phone. The tremendous growth seen in Africa and Asia in mobile phone use over the last half decade has spurred plans to integrate mobile phones with healthcare delivery globally. A major challenge in HIV healthcare is sustaining good adherence to antiretroviral treatment. This report focuses on specific applications of mobile phones in the area of HIV healthcare delivery.

A study done in Belgaum City, Karnataka State, India compared the effectiveness SMS and pamphlet distribution in an oral health education intervention for mothers of preschool children.  Seventy-two mothers and their children were randomized to the pamphlet group and 71 to the SMS group and given messaging for four weeks. Post-intervention assessments found that knowledge, attitude, and practices of mothers significantly improved in both groups.

 There has been exponential growth in the use of mobile phones in India over the last few years, and their potential benefits as a healthcare tool has raised tremendous interest. We used mobile phone reminders to help support adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV patients at an infectious disease clinic in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore. Between March and June 2010, 139 adult HIV patients taking regular ART for at least a month received weekly reminders to support adherence.

HIV prevention programs for truck drivers and cleaners (TDC) in India are limited. Longitudinal follow-up presents an obstacle to program effectiveness evaluation. We asked 3,028 TDC in a truck-driver HIV prevention program in Hyderabad to leave a cellular telephone number; we contacted participants 6 months after the intervention to assess sexual risk behavior change. Married, older, and better educated participants were more likely to leave phone numbers. Only 6.5% of TDC were reachable after 6 months.

Despite the high usage of mobile phones for commercial and personal use in India, the full potentional of mobile phone application in the healthcare sector has not been realized. The authors discuss several applications of mHealth in Indian health services such as telemedicine and SMS reminders for clinical visits.  

The study sought to assess use of cell-phones in a routine malaria prevention and control program, to improve the management of malaria cases on the Thai-Cambodian border. The program used both web-based and mobile interfaces to replace the existing paper-based activities previously used by staff used their patients clients. After a patient was detected and registered onto the system, case-investigation and treatment details were recorded into the database as a part of a wider monitoring program.

Abstract: Integration of mobile phone technology into HIV care holds potential, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Clinic attendees in urban and rural South India were surveyed to ascertain usage of mobile phones and perceptions of their use as an adherence aid. Mobile phone ownership was high at 73%; 26% reported shared ownership. A high proportion (66%) reported using phones to call their healthcare provider. There was interest in weekly telephonic automated voice reminders to facilitate adherence. Loss of privacy was not considered a deterrent.

Emerging co-infections among human and animals have made animal health surveillance in certain settings.

 Representing the fastest growth in global mobile phone subscriptions, developing countries can strengthen their health systems through mobile-based programming. Th programming will facilitate better communication mechanisms between different tiers of the health system from the community to national levels. However, institutional and social challenges remain before any possible implementation of mobile-based deliverables.

Abstract: A community based study was conducted with women employees in a private sector office of Delhi. A total of 106 women who volunteered to participate in the study were trained in the technique of breast self-examination (BSE) with the help of a lecture, video, demonstration of the technique on breast model by the investigator followed by feedback demonstration by the technique participants. Subsequently, short text messages (SMS) were sent according to the last menstrual period information collected.

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China damaged the existing public health communication system and disrupted infectious disease surveillance. In response, a mobile phone emergency reporting system was set up by the China CDC in five steps: 1) the selection of network provider and mobile devices; 2) development of a monitoring and reporting system to run on mobile phones; 3) identifying places of need for the phones; 4) distribution the mobile phones to personnel and provision of onsite training; and 5) application of quality control measures.

Abstract: While mobile phones have found broad application in reporting health, financial, and environmental data, there has been little study of the possible errors incurred during mobile data collection. This paper provides the first (to our knowledge) quantitative evaluation of data entry accuracy on mobile phones in a resource-poor setting.

Abstract: The role of ICTs in providing improved healthcare to poor populations in the developing world has been the subject of considerable interest to the development community. However, despite a substantial literature, little published research has modelled both the value-added aspects of ICTs for social and economic development and those simultaneous challenges that often deter the effective utilisation of ICTs.

Summary: Key insights of telecom companies in rural markets. This report reviews key learnings from the research conducted in Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh and India. The research for South and South-East Asia was designed with the aim of gaining key marketing insights from the middle management of companies successfully involved in rural markets in these world regions.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to compare the satisfaction levels of antenatal care between healthy pregnant women who received short message service (SMS) via mobile phone for prenatal support, and those who did not. The second objective was to compare the confidence, anxiety levels and also pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.

A feasibility study was done to understand the viability of clinical consultation through mobile phones in a community-level setting in rural northern India. A local physician initiated a free, 24-hour consultation service targeted to the general public. The service was advertised through local NGOs, youth empowerment group meetings, health education sessions, and outpatient sessions. A total of 660 calls were monitored. 63% called to seek initial consultation advice, 22% sought outpatient follow-up, and 4% were seeking appointments, while the remaining 11% called for other reasons.

Abstract: We conducted a community-based anti-obesity programme using mobile phone short message service (SMS) messaging. A total of 927 participants were recruited and visited a public health centre for initial assessment. Mobile phones were used to deliver short messages about diet, exercise and behaviour modification once a week. After a 12-week anti-obesity programme they visited the public health centre again. Four hundred and thirty-three subjects (47%) successfully completed their weight control programme.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has become nowadays a powerful and essential tool for many physicians. Its promising success in the near future and the lack of information in regard to its use in Lebanon led to this transverse study. METHODS: A questionnaire was submitted to the doctors, residents and interns of Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) Hospital (Beirut), during March-April 2004 in order to evaluate the use of PDAs, the preferences and the needs of the medical personnel and to propose solutions which can meet its needs.

Systems to report communicable disease are passive in most countries, including Iran. All communicable disease cases are reported one day each month by Iranian hospitals and health centers. Efforts to improve surveillance are underway. Information technology is the new aspect in strengthening of surveillance and monitoring of diseases. Mobile phone devices are viable option to scale up surveillance systems. The CDC of the Iranian MOH has developed a Cell Phone Surveillance (CPS) program. CPS is user-friendly, rapid, cheap and effective.

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: EpiData and Epi Info are often used together by public health agencies around the world, particularly in developing countries, to meet their needs of low-cost public health data management; however, the current open source data management technology lacks a mobile component to meet the needs of mobile public health data collectors. The goal of this project is to explore the opportunity of filling this gap through developing and trial of a personal digital assistant (PDA) based data collection/entry system.

Abstract: This study compared the use of Short Message Service (SMS) on mobile phones and the use of telephone interviews in collecting self-reported data about influenza vaccination. Through random selection from the Swedish population registry, 2,400 individuals were assigned to be contacted through SMS (SMS-group), and 2,150 were assigned to undergo personal telephone interviews (TI-group). Both groups were asked three questions about influenza and influenza vaccination.

Abstract: Colorectal cancer is a major health problem in developed countries, accounting for a significant proportion of deaths in the population. Advances in chemotherapy treatment have led to therapy being delivered in the home-setting, which presents challenges in ensuring that treatment-related side-effects are detected and reported to clinical staff in an appropriate time-frame.

Abstract: AIMS: To assess the long-term efficacy of a fully automated digital multi-media smoking cessation intervention. DESIGN: Two-arm randomized control trial (RCT). Setting World Wide Web (WWW) study based in Norway. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (n = 396) were recruited via internet advertisements and assigned randomly to conditions. Inclusion criteria were willingness to quit smoking and being aged 18 years or older. INTERVENTION: The treatment group received the internet- and cell-phone-based Happy Ending intervention.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Guidelines for optimizing type 1 diabetes in young people advocate intensive insulin therapy coupled with personal support from the health care team. "Sweet Talk" is a novel intervention designed to support patients between clinic visits using text messages sent to a mobile phone. Scheduled messages are tailored to patient profiles and diabetes self-management goals, and generic messages include topical "newsletters" and anonymized tips from other participants.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health care personnel need access to updated information anywhere and at any time, and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has the potential to meet these requirements. A PDA is a mobile tool which has been employed widely for various purposes in health care practice, and the level of its use is expected to increase. Loaded with suitable functions and software applications, a PDA might qualify as the tool that personnel and students in health care need.

Abstract: Optimal diabetes management involves considerable behavioural modification, while nonadherence contributes significantly to poor glycaemia. Extensive research on psychological interventions aiming to improve glycaemia suggests that current strategies are costly and time-consuming and in our experience do not appeal to young people with Type 1 diabetes. Text messaging has rapidly become a socially popular form of communication. It is personal, highly transportable, and widely used, particularly in the adolescent population.

Summary: Zumbido created support groups for ART patients living in urban and rural areas of Mexico, using a mobile phone technology that enabled a simulatneous communication between group members in support groups. 

A smoking cessation program was developed in New York City to reach male Chinese restaurant staff. Male Chinese immigrants smoke more than any population within the exception of Native Americans. The development of the study involved the recruitment of 100 restaurant workers for a phone-counseling smoking cessation intervention. Counseling was done in Chinese language and compared baseline smoking to a follow up on use 6 months after the intervention. The results found that phone counseling as a complement to field outreach can enable smoking cessation for hard-to-reach population groups.

Summary: Partners Healthcare’s Center for Connected Health announced that Vitality’s GlowCap service raised medication adherence rates 27 percent for a group of hypertensive patients. The group using GlowCaps achieved 98 percent adherence, while another group using GlowCaps plus financial incentives hit 99 percent adherence.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of cell phone wireless text messaging for improving adherence to a healthy behavior. DESIGN: A randomized, unblinded, controlled trial was conducted with 102 subjects, 18 years or older, each having a cell phone and willing to take 1 vitamin C pill per day for 1 month for preventive reasons. Intervention group participants received text-messaging reminders and were asked to acknowledge receiving their messages after taking the vitamins, whereas control group subjects had no text messaging activity.

Abstract: There is a need to investigate newer strategies pertaining to the maintenance of healthy behaviors and weight. We investigated the feasibility of mobile phone text messaging to enable ongoing communication with African-American women participating in a weight management program. Ninety-five African-American women participated in this pilot study and received regularly scheduled text messages.

Abstract: Research has begun to explore the determinants of personal digital assistant (PDA) adoption in health care. Much of this research has, however, been inconsistent in its treatment of key constructs and its methodological approaches. The current study takes a stricter approach and tracks the pre- and postadoption beliefs of physicians provided with an actual PDA within a single health care facility in the United States.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cellular telephone text messaging as a reminder tool for improving adherence to sunscreen application. Design: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of the effect of an electronic text-message reminder system on adherence to sunscreen application. Adherence to daily sunscreen use was evaluated using a novel electronic monitoring device.

Abstract: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is a major public health problem worldwide. In 2004, the Pediatric Dengue Cohort Study was established in Managua, Nicaragua, to study the natural history and transmission of dengue in children. Here, the authors describe the study design, methods, and results from 2004 to 2008. Initially, 3,721 children 2-9 years of age were recruited through door-to-door visits. Each year, new children aged 2 years are enrolled in the study to maintain the age structure.

Abstract: PURPOSE: We compared the completeness of data collection using paper forms and using electronic forms loaded on handheld computers in an office-based patient interview survey conducted within the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network. METHODS: We asked 19 medical assistants and nurses in family practices to administer a survey about pneumococcal immunizations to 60 older adults each, 30 using paper forms and 30 using electronic forms on handheld computers.

Abstract: Clinical studies and trials require accessibility of large amounts of high-quality information in a timely manner, often daily. The integrated application of information technologies can greatly improve quality control as well as facilitate compliance with established standards such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Summary: In response to rising gonorrhea rates among African American youth in San Francisco, Calif, Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc, in partnership with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, developed SEXINFO, a sexual health text messaging service. SEXINFO is an information and referral service that can be accessed by texting “SEXINFO” to a 5-digit number from any wireless phone.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, handheld computers (or personal digital assistants [PDAs]) have become a popular tool among medical trainees and physicians. Few comprehensive reviews of PDA use in medicine have been published. OBJECTIVE: We systematically reviewed the literature to (1) describe medical trainees' use of PDAs for education or patient care, (2) catalog popular software applications, and (3) evaluate the impact of PDA use on patient care.

Abstract: Two recent parallel developments, the widespread deployment of wireless networks and increased use of handheld devices like the personal digital assistant (PDA), have contributed to the development of mobile access to the Internet. Recent surveys show that approximately 25% or more of physicians use PDAs. Although used mainly for personal information management and static medical applications, PDAs have capabilities to connect to the Internet.

Summary: As mobile devices have been on the rise in Peru and they enable people to stay in contact with one another, we wondered whether mobile learning in combination with social media might provide a solution for the lack of training for HCW scattered across the country.  Situation: As a Health Care Worker (HCW) you abide by the Hippocrates’ oath, you want to provide the best possible care at the best of your human possibilities. Unfortunately, nature and the global society we live in provide some challenges.

Cardiovascular disease has emerged to be one of leading causes of death in 2010 as reported by the World Health Organization, while diabetes alone will forecast to a global prevalence of 439 million by 2030. Countries in Latin America face many challenges in treating chronic diseases and patient-centered solutions are lacking in many developing countries in the region. Cost-effective use of devices such as mobile phones may enable better patient communication with providers about elements of their chronic conditions.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Nonattendance for appointments remains a challenge to health care managers and providers. The objective of this article is to present the results of a study on the impact of appointment reminders sent as short message service text messages to patients' cell phones on nonattendance rates at outpatient clinics in São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Data were collected on scheduled appointments in four medical clinics using Clinic Manager or Clinic Web systems that can send automated messages to patients.

Summary: Community healthcare workers in developing countries often have limited education and training, and studies show they are prone to providing incorrect diagnoses and treatment—even when they have printed guidelines. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are hoping to reduce the frequency of such errors with the use of innovative smartphone-based treatment guides.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a personal digital assistant (PDA)-based system for collecting tuberculosis test results and to compare this new system to the previous paper-based system. The PDA- and paper-based systems were evaluated based on processing times, frequency of errors, and number of work-hours expended by data collectors. METHODS: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in 93 health establishments in Peru. Baseline data were collected for 19 months.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infectious disease surveillance is a primary public health function in resource-limited settings. In 2003, an electronic disease surveillance system (Alerta) was established in the Peruvian Navy with support from the U.S. Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD). Many challenges arose during the implementation process, and a variety of solutions were applied. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss these issues. METHODS : This is a retrospective description of the Alerta implementation.

Summary: In order for health workers to provide effective patient care, access to timely information is essential. In the Caribbean, nurses often lack basic resources, work remotely, and are isolated, which makes data sharing challenging. Enhancing Nurses Access for Care Quality and Knowledge through Technology (ENACQKT) empowers nurses by providing training and other services via PDAs.

Abstract: We compared the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) against the use of standard paper questionnaires for collecting survey data. The evaluation consisted of qualitative approaches to document the process of introducing PDAs. Fieldwork was carried out during June-July 2005 at 12 sites in Bolivia. Data collectors reacted positively to the use of the PDAs and noted the advantages and disadvantages of paper and PDA data collection. A number of difficulties encountered in the use of PDA technology serve as a warning for investigators planning its adoption.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Internet tools, cell phones, and other information and communication technologies are being used by HIV-positive people on their own initiative. Little is known about the perceptions of HIV-positive people towards these technologies in Peru. The purpose of this paper is to report on perceptions towards use of information and communication technologies as a means to support antiretroviral medication adherence and HIV transmission risk reduction.

Summary: This chapter describes an application of telehealth using cell phones and the Internet to collect, transmit and monitor data in real-time from female sex workers (FSW) who are part of a large project in Peru to reduce sexually transmitted diseases (STD). According to a national survey conducted in Peru of 4479 FSW in 2002, the prevalence of STDs and bacterial vaginosis was 26% and 34% respectively (PREVEN, 2003).

Abstract: With more clinical trials involving evaluations of new drugs or vaccines, monitoring for early detection of adverse events is essential. The overall goal of this study was to develop an interactive-computer system using cell phones for real-time collection and transmission of adverse events related to metronidazole administration among female sex workers (FSW) in Peru. We developed an application for cell phones in Spanish, called Cell-PREVEN, based on a system from Voxiva Inc.