Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

9 p.

Publication Date

2-2015

Publisher

Springer

Source Publication

Personal and Ubiquitous Computing

Source ISSN

1617-4909

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1007/s00779-014-0828-6

Abstract

Healthcare facility is scarce for rural women in the developing world. The situation is worse for patients who are suffering from diseases that require long-term feedback-oriented monitoring such as breast cancer. Lack of motivation to go to the health centers on patients’ side due to sociocultural barriers, financial restrictions and transportation hazards results in inadequate data for proper assessment. Fortunately, mobile phones have penetrated the masses even in rural communities of the developing countries. In this scenario, a mobile phone-based remote symptom monitoring system (RSMS) with inspirational videos can serve the purpose of both patients and doctors. Here, we present the findings of our field study conducted on 39 breast cancer patients in rural Bangladesh. Based on the results of extensive field studies, we have categorized the challenges faced by patients in different phases of the treatment process. As a solution, we have designed, developed and deployed e-ESAS—the first mobile-based RSMS in rural context. Along with the detail need assessment of such a system, we describe the evolution of e-ESAS and the deployment results. We have included the unique and useful design lessons that we learned as e-ESAS evolved through participatory design process. The findings show how e-ESAS addresses several challenges faced by patients and doctors and positively impact their lives.

Comments

Accepted version. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, Vol. 19, No. 2 (February 2015): 395-413. DOI. © 2015 Springer International Publishing AG. Part of Springer Nature. Used with permission.

Shareable Link. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative.

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