Engagement and Resource Considerations in Developing and Implementing Mobile Health Technologies for COVID-19 Pandemic: Filipino Developers’ Perspectives

Abstract

Objective. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the different engagement, cost, and resource
considerations in developing and implementing mHealth solutions in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods. First, six participants completed a form to document the estimated costs of developing a pseudo mobile application with features to mitigate the pandemic. Second, ten key informant interviews determined the facilitators, barriers, and resource requirements in developing mHealth tools.

Results. The average cost estimate to develop and roll out a mobile application with public health and epidemiology features is Php 4,018,907 (US $78,650). The analysis of the interviews resulted in 12 themes organized in three domains: 1) facilitators and barriers in developing and sustaining mHealth solutions; 2) costs of sustaining mHealth technologies; and 3) factors affecting the costs of development and maintenance of mHealth technologies.

Conclusion. While differences in the cost estimates are evident, it provides a ballpark figure and the different factors that implementers need to sustain and maintain an mHealth solution. This paper hopes to inform policies and practices in engaging technology solution partners and in scaling up mHealth technologies.