Exploring Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Electronic Personal Health Records for Mobile Populations Living in Disadvantaged Circumstances

A Multi-Country Feasibility Study in Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, and The Netherlands

Bibliographic Data

ID15511173
AuthorsPaulien Tensen (0009-0008-6090-9685, GGD Amsterdam, corresponding author), Maria Bach Nikolajsen (Aarhus University), Simeon Kintu Paul (0009-0009-7164-5846, African Population and Health Research Center), Princess Ruhama Acheampong (0000-0002-3161-6487, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), Francisca Gaifém (0009-0009-4649-5559, Aarhus University), Frederick Murunga Wekesah (0000-0003-2333-3054, Utrecht University), Ulrik Bak Kirk (0000-0003-1683-2189, Aarhus University), Ellis Owusu‐Dabo (0000-0003-4232-4292, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), Per Kallestrup (0000-0001-6041-4510, Aarhus University), Erik Beune (0000-0002-6229-0256, GGD Amsterdam), Charles Agyemang (0000-0002-3882-7295, Johns Hopkins University), Steven van de Vijver (0000-0002-9174-7737, OLVG)
Year2025
Volume22
Issue9
Pages1363-1363
Publication date2025-08-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22091363
PMID41007507
OpenAlexW4413874412
LanguageEN
References cited29

(1) Background: Mobile populations living in disadvantaged circumstances often face disrupted continuity of care due to incomplete or inaccessible health records. This feasibility study explored the perceived usefulness of Electronic Personal Health Records (EPHRs) in enhancing access to and continuity of care for mobile populations across Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, and The Netherlands. (2) Methods: A qualitative study using ninety semi-structured interviews, with multi-level stakeholders ranging from policymakers to mobile individuals, recruited through purposive and convenience sampling. Interview guides and analysis were informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and analysis by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). (3) Results: Stakeholders highlighted the value of improved medical data sharing and ownership and considered EPHRs promising for enhancing care continuity and efficiency. Key concerns included limited digital and health literacy, and data security and privacy, underscoring the need for education and safeguards against inappropriate data sharing. Due to differences in digital readiness and privacy guidelines, a one-size-fits-all EPHR is unlikely to succeed. (4) Conclusions: EPHRs are considered valuable tools to enhance care continuity and increase patient ownership, but they face technical, structural, and social challenges, including data security and varying levels of digital (health) literacy. Successful implementation requires context-sensitive, co-created solutions supported by strong policy frameworks

Business · Disadvantaged · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental health · Geography · Health care · Health records · Perception · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Psychology · Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation