What keeps ICT from providing a valuable contribution to healthcare? A literature study

In 2019, the United Nations called for concerted efforts to achieve universal health. To reach this goal, the use of e- and mHealth applications plays a decisive role. Unfortunately, despite positive benefits such as mobility and accessibility, many ICT applications fail. To work out the reasons, we conducted a literature study that dissects each layer of the literature on ICT applications in the healthcare sector. By analyzing the scope, the focus, and the type of academic research, we deliver an overview of the relevant facets of the topic. Thereupon, we analyze the case studies presented in the literature to identify the factors being responsible for the failure and success of ICT applications. We find that most studies ignore regional and cultural aspects. Together with the lack of coordination between the involved stakeholders, this leads to the failure of ICT applications as they are not being developed in a target-oriented manner