Researchers study mobile health potential in Vietnam

Researchers study mobile health potential in Vietnam

A new book depicts the potential benefits of mobile health in Asia, as well as the challenges facing its deployment in countries like Vietnam.

mHealth Innovation in Asia features a series of case studies on mobile health, or mHealth, across the continent. Associate Professor Jerry Watkins, Director of the Centre of Digital Excellence at RMIT Vietnam, was one of the book’s researchers and editors.

Associate Professor Jerry Watkins was one of the researchers and editors for the book mHealth Innovation in Asia. Associate Professor Jerry Watkins was one of the researchers and editors for the book mHealth Innovation in Asia.

The topic of mHealth is particularly relevant as World Health Day 2018 approaches with the theme of universal health coverage.

“Mobile health, which is the use of mobile devices to help people access healthcare and health services, is seen as one route to improving universal health,” Associate Professor Watkins said.

“What’s interesting about smartphones and South-East Asia is that even in communities that have very low income, or in some cases no income, we still expect people to, and quite often they do, have access to at least a mobile phone.”

Vietnam is no different, with high rates of mobile phone use and widespread internet penetration, even in rural areas. These factors, combined with the country’s high literacy rate, mean Vietnam is, in theory, ripe for mobile health development.

However, there are challenges when it comes to deploying such apps and programs. “The point we make in the book is that there are all kinds of political and social barriers to the uptake of mobile health,” Associate Professor Watkins explains.

“There are also the realities of individual health behaviour, which is very important in a country like Vietnam,” he adds. “Just because we might have access to a mobile device, apps, websites and more reliable health information and access to better advice from organisations or government agencies, it doesn’t mean people are going to follow it.”

Associate Professor Watkins cites safe sex practices and smoking as two particularly challenging social health issues that will require further government initiatives.

Ultimately, Associate Professor Watkins believes Vietnam has great potential for mobile health and universal coverage, but health practitioners will need to learn the lessons of other regional countries that have already introduced such initiatives.

“You could argue that the set-up of Vietnam politically and in terms of urban and regional governments could support universal health coverage if we put the budget issues to one side,” Associate Professor Watkins says. “Is it feasible here? Yes, quite.”

Story: Michael Tatarski

  • Research
  • Digital
  • CODE
  • Wellbeing
03 April 2018

Share

Engage

Related news

news-thumb-inclusive-digital-enhancement-for-women-entrepreneurs.jpg

Digital literacy skill enhancement for women entrepreneurs
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 04 Apr 2024

If digitally trained, women who make up the majority of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) could hold the potential to accelerate national economic growth, according to RMIT Vietnam researchers.

RMIT Vietnam Illuminate Fellowship

RMIT Vietnam seeks research leaders and experts for new fellowship program
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 20 Mar 2024

Join us as an RMIT Vietnam Illuminate Fellow to promote the sustainable development of Vietnam and the region.

AI apps on a smartphone screen

Rethinking authentic assessments in the age of generative AI
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 04 Mar 2024

RMIT Vietnam researchers have introduced a framework to help educators determine the effectiveness of popular generative AI tools such as ChatGPT in solving authentic assessments.

system-hacked-screen-cyber-security.jpg

How can Vietnamese SMEs strengthen their cyber security?
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 22 Feb 2024

The answer lies in raising awareness about cyber threats and risks, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam that are susceptible to losses and reputational damage under attack.

Load more +