by yao.sossou1 -

Researching and Developing a Prototype for Sustainable Healthcare app in Benin

In the pursuit of addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas of Benin Republic, the research and development of an eHealth app for sustainable healthcare has emerged as a transformative solution. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the process undertaken to research and develop a prototype for this project. Building upon the existing knowledge and previous articles on eHealth and sustainable healthcare (1, 2, 3, 4) , we delve into the key steps and considerations involved in creating an innovative solution that can improve healthcare access and support sustainable development. we are integrating the innovative MoiseGpt super-application into our eHealth app. Developed by renowned African entrepreneur Alain Towedo Capo-Chichi, MoiseGpt offers a powerful voice assistant feature that enhances user experiences through seamless interaction. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the ongoing research and development process, highlighting the integration of MoiseGpt and its potential to revolutionize healthcare access through a user-friendly voice interface. we also want to take advantage of previous project in the field of health in the region to capitalize the best pratices and lesson learn. For example, the project SATMED,a satellite based communication solution aimed to improve public health in emerging and developing countries.

Identifying the Problem and Research Question
The initial stage involved a meticulous analysis of the challenges faced by individuals in rural communities regarding healthcare access and affordability. By exploring existing literature, and consulting with healthcare experts, a clear problem statement was formulated, leading to the definition of the research question: “What if we design an app that helps tackle the lack of medical service offerings, specifically in rural communities of Benin Republic?”

Conducting User-Centered Research
To ensure the prototype addressed the needs and preferences of the target users, a user-centered research approach was adopted. This involved conducting interviews, surveys, and behavioral studies to gain insights into the healthcare-seeking behaviors, literacy levels, and technological proficiency of the population. These findings served as a foundation for designing an app that is accessible, user-friendly, and tailored to the specific context of Benin Republic.

Developing the Prototype
Armed with the first research insights, the next phase focused on translating the identified requirements into a tangible prototype. Utilizing industry-standard tools like Figma, we were able to design the user interface of the eHealth app, incorporating MoiseGpt’s voice assistant capabilities. The visually appealing and intuitive design takes into account the literacy levels and technological constraints of the target population, ensuring accessibility and ease of use that considered the literacy levels and technological constraints of the target population.

First draft of the prototype website

The first feedback we received from this current version of the web platform for the solution is from our supervision who suggested to make it simplified and easy to read and navigate. The next iteration of the prototype will integrate that and many other feedbacks we are going to receive through our planned survey and further researchs include a field research.

First draft of the mobile app prototype

Iterative Testing and Refinement
To ensure the prototype met user expectations and delivered a seamless experience, iterative testing and refinement were conducted. Next stage of the Usability tests will be carried out with representative users from rural communities so collect provided valuable feedback on the app’s features, navigation, and overall usability. This iterative shall process helped identify and rectify any usability issues, ensuring a user-centric and effective design.

Planned Ethnographic Research for Solution Refinement
In our commitment to continuously improving the proposed solution, a planned ethnographic research study will be conducted in the upcoming summer or next year. This research approach will involve immersing researchers in the rural communities of Benin Republic to observe and document the daily lives, healthcare practices, and unique challenges faced by the residents. By gathering in-depth qualitative data, this ethnographic research aims to further refine the proposed eHealth app, ensuring it is truly aligned with the needs, behaviors, and cultural context of the target population.

video presentation

Conclusion
The process of researching and developing a prototype for sustainable healthcare has been a journey driven by the vision of improving healthcare access and supporting sustainable development in Benin Republic. By identifying the problem, conducting user-centered research, developing the prototype, and engaging stakeholders, the project has made significant strides towards creating an innovative eHealth app that can bridge the gap in healthcare services and contribute to the well-being of rural communities. The planned ethnographic research study will provide invaluable insights for further refining the proposed solution and ensuring its efficacy in addressing the specific needs of the population. The lessons learned and experiences gained from this process will pave the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future in healthcare delivery.

by yao.sossou1 -

Unleashing E-Health: Pioneering Health Innovations in Benin Republic and Beyond

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, digital innovation has emerged as an indispensable instrument for improving access, quality, and affordability. E-health, defined as the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) for health services and information, carries the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems across the globe, particularly in countries like Benin Republic and other African nations. with no doubt we can affirm tht eHealth offers a promising potential to transform health care delivery in Africa by offering a platform for comprehensive data management, provider efficiency, and patient engagement. “Health systems strengthening is a critical path to achieving health outcomes, health security and financial protection, improving social well-being and fostering sustainable development.” -as described in the published Framework for Health Systems Development Towards Universal Health Coverage in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals in the African by Region the World Health Organization’s Regional Comitte for Africa secretariat report1.

E-Health in Benin Republic and Africa: A Glimpse of the Future

While Benin, like many other African countries, has encountered challenges in healthcare infrastructure, the eHealth sector presents an innovative, resilient solution. From telemedicine consultations to AI-powered diagnoses and digital health records, the scope for growth is enormous. Mobile technology ownership, which is growing rapidly across Africa, serves as a strong foundation for eHealth expansion2.

In Benin there are no known health plaform for say but lesson learned form regional initiative and secure funding to tackle the issue of healthcare (for example the USAID Integrated Health Services Activity in Benin) are promising path for the realization of such plaform. A shining example of this potential is shown from the most popular ehealth solution in continent, they are mostly mHealth platform that brings doctors and patients together through mobile devices3. Additionally, Nigeria’s healthtech startup, Helium Health, has exhibited how digital innovation can leapfrog existing infrastructural limitations4.

The Advantages and the Hurdles

E-health solutions offer the possibility of overcoming geographical barriers, improving access to diagnostic and treatment services, and optimizing the use of limited resources. A quick look at the HealthEnabled’s work make use confident that Benin and africa will soon be able to profit from eHealth solutions. The elegance of eHealth lies in its ability to deliver solutions right at your fingertips, thereby making healthcare accessible even in the most secluded parts of the continent 5.

However, implementing eHealth in Benin and the wider African region is not without challenges. Issues such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and lack of digital literacy need to be addressed for successful adoption.

E-Health and the Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of eHealth are worth pursuing. Governments, private institutions, and international organizations should collaborate to nurture this sector, investing in infrastructure, education, and regulations. The future of eHealth in Benin and Africa is hopeful.

by lea.zucker -

Why are mental health services underutilized and how can creative approaches change the situation?

In order to live a balanced and healthy life, one must not only take care of one’s physical health but also of one’s mental health. The problem in our society is that mental health is still a taboo subject and therefore too few people receive or claim the help they need.

A topic that has received more and more attention in the last few years, at least in my generation, but is still not talked about enough is Mental Health. The Awareness for mental health grew over all but during the corona crises, mental health issues in young adults grew as well.

My motivation stems from having taken therapeutic support myself, which has helped me in many areas and improved my quality of life overall. I believe that many people would feel the same way and that they would benefit from getting help. I have been an advocate for mental health since I started claiming mental health services myself and try to incorporate this into my community. However, I noticed in the discourse with my friends and family that even though they also suffered mentally, they did not want to seek the necessary support.

In my following research, I would like to prove the relevance of this topic, find out what reasons prevent people from seeking the help they need, where the biggest hurdles lie, and look into mental health Apps and services. I also would like to take a look at the possible solutions like destigmatizing mental health issues.

Quellen

Jacobi, F., Höfler, M., Strehle, J., Mack, S., Gerschler, A., Scholl, L., … Wittchen, H.-U. (2014). Psychische Störungen in der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Der Nervenarzt, 85(1), 77–87. doi:10.1007/s00115-013-3961-y 

Richter, D., & Berger, K. (2013). Nehmen psychische Störungen zu? Psychiatrische Praxis, 40(04), 176–182. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1333060 

Hofmann, FH., Sperth, M. & Holm-Hadulla, R.M. Psychische Belastungen und Probleme Studierender. Psychotherapeut 62, 395–402 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007