Assignment 5: Choosing technology for a mobile health care application

You have been hired as a consultant to select a mobile technology solution for a health care application. You investigate platform and software issues that would inform the recommendation of a device to use.

First, read the e-IMCI Paper.

Next consider a technical solution for the following design scenario: A previous pilot project has investigated the use of mobile devices to aid health care workers during their home visits to patients. The device helps health care workers in two ways: it acts as a reference device for the workers to query to access health information; it also acts as a device to collect data from patients. The pilot was a success and now the project is going to scale up for a larger audience.

Requirements:

The devices should be moderate in cost meaning that it should be feasible to deploy on a large scale with government and NGO support. Hint: No need to choose a solution just because it's the lowest in cost, but also be sensitive to price and don't choose the newest most expensive technology. It's an application for a developing country, but will have donor support. (Just to give a concrete data point, the follow on for the e-ICMI project is targetting a $200 device.)
Provide recommendations on particular hardware/software including an explanation of why you are recommending those particular choices. Before you answer, think about what factors go into the technology selection, what's going to give you the most for your investment. Make sure to be clear in your explanation. For example, stating that this is the technology you like the best is not an adequate explanation.

In terms of the country to design for:

You can choose the e-IMCI project in Tanzania and consider this project as an extension.
You can choose another low-income country where this application might be appropriate (perhaps the country you chose fro Homework 1 or 3).

Please proofread to make sure your concepts are clear and free from typographical errors.

Due: May 7 at 6:30pm, submit the file (.doc or .pdf) via CollectIt.
Length: 2-3 pages.
References: Include references if applicable.
Assessment: You will be assessed on the thoughtfulness of your response, clarity of concepts, completeness, and technical feasibility.

Computer Science & Engineering
University of Washington
Box 352350
Seattle, WA 98195-2350
(206) 543-1695 voice, (206) 543-2969 FAX
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