Managing mobile provision for community healthcare support: issues and challenges

Purpose – This paper addresses some key management issues relating to developing mobile support for community healthcare (CHC) provision, such as support structures, service management and organization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents three generic examples that draw out the heterogeneous nature of CHC support and the issues and challenges involved. The research is mostly qualitative, based on interviews with key health and social care professionals in the south of England, supported by desk-based activity. The initial phase of the pilot involved six healthcare professionals, who were interviewed for approximately an hour and a half each using a semi-structured questionnaire. Findings – It is clear that many CHC professionals, for the generic case examples, cannot do their community activity without some mobile technology support, such as a mobile telephone. More sophisticated support offers much potential to improve patient/client care in the community as well as efficiency benefits. Research limitations/implications – The investigation is ongoing with the next stage involving other regions and a wider set of interviews and focus groups. Practical implications – Practical considerations, such as availability and appropriateness of equipment, security, confidentiality and accountability issues access procedures and usage protocols need to be addressed before the full benefits can be achieved. Originality/value – Identification of ten main issues and challenges facing mobile service provision and management.