Research Highlights Role of Technology in Patient Monitoring

Recent research is increasingly demonstrating how digital technologies are transforming patient monitoring, especially in chronic disease management and mental health. A notable study by PharmAccess in Kenya evaluated a mobile-based care model for hypertension and diabetes: patients used home blood pressure and glucose monitors, logged their readings into a phone app, and submitted their data for review. This setup improved disease control significantly — for instance, 50% of hypertensive patients achieved blood pressure control, up from 42% at baseline.
On the mental health front, a protocol published in BMC Research Notes describes a project to use mobile app data to predict depression risk among Kenyan healthcare workers. The study plans to gather both active data (surveys) and passive data (sleep and activity sensors) to develop AI/machine learning models. If implemented effectively, such predictive tools could alert clinicians early to mood changes and help tailor preventative interventions.
Digital health systems are also being integrated into hospital workflows. A mixed-methods survey of public hospitals in Kenya found increasing adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems, which not only streamline administrative work but also lay the groundwork for real-time clinical monitoring. These systems make it easier for clinicians to access patient history and vital data, enabling more proactive and coordinated care.
However, research also points out challenges: a qualitative study of Kenyan doctors revealed that while telemedicine is being used, many barriers remain — including infrastructure gaps, limited ICT skills, and concerns over data security. To scale up remote monitoring effectively, experts say there is a need for stronger digital infrastructure, capacity building, and clear policy frameworks.