Digital health implementation research across selected African countries: a bibliometric analysis of maternal health and infectious diseases with observations on precision medicine representation (2015–2025) - Report - MDSpire
Advertisement
Digital health implementation research across selected African countries: a bibliometric analysis of maternal health and infectious diseases with observations on precision medicine representation (2015–2025)
Clinical Report: Analysis of Digital Health Research Implementation in Africa
Overview
This bibliometric study maps the implementation-oriented digital health research landscape across selected African countries from 2015 to 2025. It highlights growth in mobile health interventions, particularly in maternal health and infectious diseases, while identifying challenges such as thematic fragmentation and limited interoperability.
Background
Digital health technologies are crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery in African nations, particularly in low and middle-income contexts. The integration of mobile health, telemedicine, and electronic health records aims to address persistent healthcare access and quality issues.
Data Highlights
A total of 440 publications were included in the bibliometric analysis, revealing a substantial increase in digital health research activity post-2020.
Key Findings
Research activity in digital health across selected African countries expanded significantly, especially after 2020.
Mobile health interventions primarily targeted maternal health, HIV care, and tuberculosis adherence.
Thematic mapping identified key themes such as 'mobile health–antenatal care–mobile phone' and 'mHealth–HIV–Kenya.'
Telemedicine research emerged as a specialized niche, while tuberculosis-focused digital adherence interventions showed an emerging or declining thematic position.
There is a noted transition from feasibility studies to implementation-focused research in digital health.
Precision medicine and rare-disease terminology did not form distinct thematic clusters within the research corpus.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate a need for improved synthesis of digital health research to enhance implementation strategies. Addressing thematic fragmentation and promoting interoperability are critical for the effective integration of digital health solutions in African healthcare systems.
Conclusion
The rapid expansion of implementation-oriented digital health research in Africa presents both opportunities and challenges. Continued focus on scalable mobile health systems and integrated healthcare delivery is essential for future advancements.
