An ontology of and roadmap for mHealth research
JD Cameron, A Ramaprasad, T Syn�- International journal of medical�…, 2017 - Elsevier
JD Cameron, A Ramaprasad, T Syn
International journal of medical informatics, 2017•ElsevierPurpose Mobile health or mHealth research has been growing exponentially in recent years.
However, the research on mHealth has been ad-hoc and selective without a clear definition
of the mHealth domain. Without a roadmap for research we may not realize the full potential
of mHealth. In this paper, we present an ontological framework to define the mHealth
domain and illuminate a roadmap. Methods We present an ontology of mHealth. The
ontology is developed by systematically deconstructing the domain into its primary�…
However, the research on mHealth has been ad-hoc and selective without a clear definition
of the mHealth domain. Without a roadmap for research we may not realize the full potential
of mHealth. In this paper, we present an ontological framework to define the mHealth
domain and illuminate a roadmap. Methods We present an ontology of mHealth. The
ontology is developed by systematically deconstructing the domain into its primary�…
Purpose
Mobile health or mHealth research has been growing exponentially in recent years. However, the research on mHealth has been ad-hoc and selective without a clear definition of the mHealth domain. Without a roadmap for research we may not realize the full potential of mHealth. In this paper, we present an ontological framework to define the mHealth domain and illuminate a roadmap.
Methods
We present an ontology of mHealth. The ontology is developed by systematically deconstructing the domain into its primary dimensions and elements. We map the extent research on mHealth in 2014 onto the ontology and highlight the bright, light, and blind/blank spots which represent the emphasis of mHealth research.
Findings
The emphases of mHealth research in 2014 are very uneven. There are a few bright spots and many light spots. The research predominantly focuses on individuals’ use of mobile devices and applications to capture or obtain health-related data mostly to improve quality of care through mobile intervention.
Conclusions
We argue that the emphases can be balanced in the roadmap for mHealth research. The ontological mapping plays an integral role in developing and maintaining the roadmap which can be updated periodically to continuously assess and guide mHealth research.
Elsevier