An eHealth evaluation model for assessing eHealth Interventions outcomes and impact on healthcare in Uganda

Abstract

Evaluating eHealth interventions generates data as a basis for assessing whether observed changes in behavior, processes, or healthcare outcomes can be attributed to the eHealth interventions. Uganda’s eHealth Strategy stipulates the need to evaluate the performance of eHealth interventions following an eHealth monitoring and evaluation framework, however, such a framework does not exist in Uganda. This study aimed to develop an eHealth evaluation model to guide the process of monitoring and evaluating eHealth interventions performance on healthcare in Uganda. To determine its requirements, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among eHealth implementers in the country to understand Uganda’s eHealth monitoring and evaluation practices and challenges. The Design Science Research methodology was followed to develop an eHealth evaluation model, and the model was validated against a design science research validation criteria. The developed model consists of a generic reference model with eHealth monitoring and evaluation dimensions, illustrative performance indicators, and guidelines on how to conduct eHealth monitoring and evaluation in Uganda. The eHealth evaluation model received high acceptance (>70%) regards its fitness for purpose during its validation.