In my master thesis research on the issue of limited healthcare access in rural communities of Benin through eHealth and mHealth solutions, the journey into understanding how knowledge is created, its scope, and its limitations has been enlightening. The primary sources of knowledge for my study have been:
- Empirical Data: This includes quantitative data such as population statistics from the World Bank, healthcare infrastructure details from WHO reports, and digital divide metrics from organizations like the International Telecommunication Union, and the Internet society. Additionally, data from studies conducted in similar contexts, like the mobile phone-based interactive voice response system study in rural Ghana, provides valuable empirical insights.
- Theoretical Frameworks: Tese encompass academic theories and models related to eHealth, mHealth, digital inequality, and healthcare access. These frameworks provide a conceptual foundation for understanding the broader context and potential impact of your solutions.
- Personal Experiences and Cultural Narratives: Insights from local communities in rural Benin, including personal experiences with healthcare access and technology usage, offer a subjective understanding of the loca context. These narratives help tailor solutions to be culturally and contextually relevant.
- Comparative Studies: Research and case studies from similar cultural and geographical settings offer comparative perspectives that can inform your approach and strategy. Yet to be deepened.
I find myself oscillating between theoretical understandings based on concepts and empirical evidence grounded in observations and data. This reflects the complex nature of my research topic, where theories related to digital inequality, healthcare accessibility, and technology adoption in low-resource settings guide my understanding of the broader implications and potential strategies for implementing eHealth solutions effectively. Empirical data, on the other hand, grounds the research in real-world situations. Statistical data on healthcare infrastructure, digital access in rural areas, and case studies or research findings from similar contexts (like the study in rural Ghana) were relevant in the empirical approach. They provide me ith concrete examples of how eHealth and mHealth solutions have been implemented and their impact, allowing me to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of such solutions in the context of rural Benin.
However, I am acutely aware of the limitations in my approach. Given that my background and perspective could potentially color my interpretation of the research. For instance, a tendency to focus heavily on technological solutions, possibly overlooking non-technological factors crucial for healthcare access in rural areas, my entrepreneurial experience may influence my approach towards innovative, market-driven solutions. and as a designer, there might be preconceived notions about user experience that don’t fully align with the realities of rural populations in Benin.
To mitigate these biases, I will incorporating diverse perspectives into my research, like for example engaging with local communities to understand their needs and preferences, and collaborating with professionals from various fields like healthcare, sociology, and anthropology.
Image source: https://research-methodology.net/research-philosophy/epistomology/
