International journal of medical informatics
-
Handovers between hospital and primary healthcare possess a risk for patient care. It has been suggested that the exchange of a comprehensive medical record containing both medical and patient-centered aspects of information can support high quality handovers. ⋯ The lack of patient-centered documentation either indicates poor patient-centeredness in the encounters or low priority given by the providers on documenting such information. Based on this small study, discharge information sent to primary healthcare cannot be considered as a means of securing continuity of patient care. Healthcare providers need to be aware that neither their discharge notes nor their referrals will guarantee continuity of patient care.
-
Mobile communication technologies may reduce maternal health disparities related to cost, distance, and infrastructure. However, the ability of mHealth initiatives to accelerate maternal health goals requires in part that women with the greatest health needs have access to mobile phones. ⋯ As maternal mHealth strategies are increasingly utilized, more efforts are needed to improve women's access to mobile phones and minimize potential health inequities brought on by health systems and technological barriers in access to care.