Mobile health in China: Does it meet availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality standards?

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to evaluate mobile health practices under China's health care system through the lens of the right to health framework and to offer directions for policy improvement. MethodThe theoretical framework of this article is made up of four essential elements of the right to health, namely availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of health care. This approach has been applied by a broad range of stakeholders to assess national health programmes. In addition, a review was conducted of literature published between 2015 and 2019 to determine the service categories of mHealth. ResultsThe findings show that mobile health has been used in a wide range of practices for health care and well-being management. The assessment of mHealth practices under the AAAQ framework suggests that mobile health contributes to accessibility and efficiency and health promotion. However, some shortcomings are also identified. ConclusionsTo achieve sustainability of mHealth in the health care system and realise its potential, this evaluation points out four aspects of policy improvement. An integrated approach, a robust governance mechanism, a new legislative response and private sector engagement are required. Public interest summaryThe vibrant growth of mobile health has prompted an emerging need of integrating it to a sustainable service delivery system for achieving universal health coverage. To remove barriers for the implementation of mobile health nationwide, it is necessary to assess mobile health practices in the Chinese health care system as a whole. This article provides an evaluation of mobile health in China under the right to health framework (availability, accessibility, affordability and quality). It suggests that mobile health brings positive results but also unintended consequences, both for individuals and the health care system. Therefore, we point out that the integrated solution, the governance mechanism, the relevant legislation and private sector engagement should be further addressed in mobile health policy. The findings presented in this article indicate the current status and policy considerations for navigating the future direction of mobile health.