Online Mapping and GIS Mobile Healthcare Systems for Intensifying Low-and-Middle-Income Community Accessibility

Abstract

Systematic healthcare facilities and accessibility system in developing countries are mostly located in urban areas instead of rural areas, causing inconvenience to low-and-middle-income residents to reach healthcare centres. Therefore, an innovative mapping and geomobile application or app is developed for the modernization of healthcare systems in Pulau Indah, Klang Malaysia. This study aimed to provide relevant geoinformation of the healthcare centres and the optimum route to the nearby healthcare facilities. Data collection comprised of road access, lists of healthcare facilities, the type of healthcare facilities, travelling time, cost, as well as base map from Google Earth. The framework of geospatial functions and System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) were implemented to create the proposed system. Survey on 45 respondents revealed that 80% of them are displeased with the existing system performances. Thus, the proposed healthcare accessibility system has created eminent geospatial modules and cartographic elements to intensify the existing system. This personal app system also offers several spatial network analyses to assist the local community in finding the optimum accessibility to reach ideal healthcare centres. Inclusively, seven selected local communities agreed with the functions proposed in this system but there are several parts can be further improved.

Mapping national information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure to the requirements of potential digital health interventions in low- and middle-income countries

“…Pregnancy monitoring system: Three studies reported the mobile app monitoring tools deployed in India and Pakistan to monitor pregnancy [77][78][79]. The Daksh system monitored intra partum care [79]; the Continuum of Care mhealth platform was used for pregnancy registration and monitoring care [80], and a mhealth app in Pakistan managed the clinical workforce and provision of health care equipment [81]. Healthcare facilities app: A mobile app in Malaysia provided information about local facilities with maps, health care information, cost estimation, and online survey feedback [81].…”

“…The Daksh system monitored intra partum care [79]; the Continuum of Care mhealth platform was used for pregnancy registration and monitoring care [80], and a mhealth app in Pakistan managed the clinical workforce and provision of health care equipment [81]. Healthcare facilities app: A mobile app in Malaysia provided information about local facilities with maps, health care information, cost estimation, and online survey feedback [81]. ICT in community pharmacies: ICT features such as electronic health records, electronic payment systems, accounting and logistics software, barcode reading system for medicines, online stores, as well as systems for communication with patients (Whatsapp, SMS) were implemented in pharmacies in Malaysia.…”

Classification of Public Health Centres in Accra through a Web-Based Portal Integrated with Geographical Information System (GIS)

“…In developing nations, systematic healthcare facilities and accessible systems are largely centered in metropolitan regions rather than in rural areas, causing inconvenient access to healthcare centres for low-and middle-income citizens [4]. Generally, driving and walking (especially in rural areas) are the two main commutation procedures used to arrive at a health centre.…”

The use of mobile GIS in the scientific research - Post-Mining Case Studies

“…This research has shown promising results in helping patients treat a variety of diseases [17]. The article by Zain Rashid et al [18] presents quite different research in the field of healthcare. The given project aimed to provide geo-information on healthcare and also to show the optimal route to nearby healthcare facilities in Pulau Indah, Klang Malaysia [18].…”