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A New eHealth Investment Appraisal Framework for Africa: Validation

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  • Sean C. Broomhead

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
    Health Information Systems Program South Africa, Pretoria 0181, South Africa
    African Centre for eHealth Excellence, Cape Town 7130, South Africa)

  • Maurice Mars

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

  • Richard E. Scott

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
    Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

Abstract

(1) Background: Decisions to use eHealth are complex and involve addressing a large opportunity cost. Sound choices are essential. Weighing up investment options is challenging in resource-constrained settings where there are frequently insufficient economics data and expertise to conduct adequate appraisals. To address this, a new eHealth Investment Appraisal Framework (eHIAF) for Africa has been designed and developed. The aim of this paper was to validate the new framework to consider whether it is fit for purpose and to refine it as needed. (2) Methods: An online survey of purposively selected eHealth experts was used to conduct a desktop validation of the proposed eHIAF for Africa. The survey covered the framework development process, structure, content, completeness, and utility. Expert opinions were charted, and a reflective and iterative process used to assess the tool and extract recommendations for refinement. (3) Results: Eleven eHealth experts who completed the survey had experience in African countries and elsewhere. The majority agreed with the eHIAF for Africa development approach and output. They provided valuable suggestions for minor refinements and felt that with these amendments, the eHIAF for Africa would be ‘fit for purpose’. (4) Conclusions: The eHIAF for Africa is considered appropriate for use by policy- and decision-makers working in resource-constrained settings who face the task of selecting optimal eHealth investments. It has the potential for applicability beyond Africa and the framework should now be tested in African countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Sean C. Broomhead & Maurice Mars & Richard E. Scott, 2023. "A New eHealth Investment Appraisal Framework for Africa: Validation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:14:p:6426-:d:1199679
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katarzyna Kolasa & Grzegorz Kozinski, 2020. "How to Value Digital Health Interventions? A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-22, March.
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