Delivering of Healthcare Service in South Africa during the Covid-19 Pandemic using Mobile Devices

ABSTRACT

The geographical widespread apart of communities in South Africa is increasingly a challenge in the delivery of healthcare services. COVID-19 pandemic emergency has impacted the South African healthcare system directly. As a result, mobile devices have been employed in recent years. However, the devices are not challenge-free, and have constrained healthcare service delivering in many instances, at various locations. As such, communities in rural areas continue to bear the brunt, which negatively affect their wellbeing. This study was therefore undertaken to provide critical analysis of how the devices can be better employed and utilised, to improve healthcare service delivery in the country. The study applied qualitative case study, and the data was analysed exhausting the Actor Network Theory (ANT). The researchers employed the documentation review approach within the healthcare sector. Healthcare documents enabled the researchers to gain more understanding of the role of ICT within healthcare and the data gathered through the healthcare document review was analysed using the Moments of Translation from the ANT perspective. Thereafter, a framework was developed to guide the delivery of healthcare services through the use of mobile devices. The primary aim of the framework, is to give guidance on what should be considered by healthcare in order to deliver a good service in South Africa.