Agile Application of Digital Health Interventions during the COVID-19 Refugee Response

Abstract

The intersection of digital health platforms and refugee health in the context of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has not yet been explored. We discuss the ability of a novel mobile health (mhealth) platform to be effectively adapted to improve health access for vulnerable displaced populations. In a preliminary analysis of 200 Syrian refugee women, we found positive user feedback and uptake of an mhealth application to increase access to preventive maternal and child health services for Syrian refugees under temporary protection in Turkey. Rapid adaptation of this application was successfully implemented during a global pandemic state to perform symptomatic assessment, disseminate health education, and bolster national prevention efforts. We propose that mhealth interventions can provide an innovative, cost-effective, and user-friendly approach to access the dynamic needs of refugees and other displaced populations, particularly during an emerging infectious disease outbreak.

Telehealth and Artificial Intelligence Insights into Healthcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In Turkey, Syrian refugees suffer from low quality of life, low socio-economic status, language challenges, and poor health conditions. Hence, telemedicine services are a cost-effective alternative for those refugees to contact healthcare practitioners in Arabic and English [ 49 ]. The Indian Space Research Organization, MOH, and Ministry of External Affairs played a significant role in developing telemedicine services in India.…”

Localisation of digital health tools used by displaced populations in low and middle-income settings: a scoping review and critical analysis of the Participation Revolution

“…Maternal, reproductive, and childcare (n = 3) [ 90 , 92 , 103 ] followed: These interventions focused on family planning and newborn vaccinations. Communicable diseases, a common concern within humanitarian environments [ 104 ], were identified in n = 3 papers [ 91 , 97 , 105 ], focusing on Cholera, Covid-19 and other infectious disease outbreaks. Despite the high non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in LMIC [ 104 ], only one paper addressed NCDs with a focus on hypertension and diabetes [ 96 ] which may be reflective of the short term nature of humanitarian assistance.…”

“…Interest, willingness and readiness to use newly introduced health tools were all self-reported as high [ 91 – 93 , 95 , 96 , 100 , 107 ]. User perceptions of potential health impacts through digital health tool use were assessed and reported positively.…”

“…Cost was a critical factor in influencing user behaviours [ 91 – 93 , 95 , 96 , 100 ] and there were quality concerns for content accuracy and sufficient user literacy levels [ 93 , 100 , 103 , 107 ]. Social media, including Facebook, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp were frequently used by participants but not necessarily for health information.…”

The hopes and hazards of using personal health technologies in the diagnosis and prognosis of infections

“…For example, an app created in 2018 for the Syrian refugee population in Turkey was adapted for COVID-19 to assess symptoms, disseminate health information, and support prevention efforts. 59 Before the pandemic, digital health tools have provided the opportunity to extend access to health research and management well beyond the geographical confines of bricks and mortar health systems to rural communities. 60…”