University of Oxford Applied Digital Health alumnus makes significant contribution to cardiovascular mHealth research in Africa
A graduate of the University of Oxford's MSc Applied Digital Health programme has achieved a notable milestone with the publication of their research in BMJ Heart, one of the world's leading cardiovascular medicine journals.
Sintieh Nchinda Ngek Ekongefeyin, who completed the MSc in Applied Digital Health at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, is the lead author on a comprehensive scoping review published in the July 2025 issue of BMJ Heart. The research, titled "Mapping the evidence on mHealth interventions for cardiovascular event care in Africa: a scoping review", represents a significant contribution to understanding mobile health applications in cardiovascular medicine across the African continent.
Research Impact
The study systematically mapped the utilisation of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in cardiovascular event care across Africa, analysing 26 studies from 2013 to 2025. The research reveals that while mHealth technologies demonstrate potential in improving cardiovascular event care—particularly for stroke care—their widespread adoption faces significant barriers including health system constraints, low digital literacy, and financial challenges. The study found that smartphone applications and SMS/phone call interventions were the most commonly used technologies, with the majority of interventions focusing on post-event care rather than prevention or acute care.
This publication exemplifies the calibre of research our graduates are conducting in the digital health space, representing exactly the kind of innovative, evidence-based approach to healthcare technology that our programme aims to foster.
About the MSc Applied Digital Health Programme
The University of Oxford's MSc Applied Digital Health is a one-year, full-time interdisciplinary programme designed to teach the knowledge and skills needed in the fast-growing area of digital health. The course aims to equip students with the expertise to critically evaluate, harness and advance digital health tools to improve health outcomes in the real world.
The programme draws on expertise from across the University, spanning medicine, social and behavioural science, economics, engineering, artificial intelligence and data science. Students complete eight compulsory modules covering topics including foundations of digital health, harnessing big data for clinical decision support, AI for efficient healthcare systems, remote monitoring and digital diagnostics, supporting health behaviour change, digital transformation of primary care, economics of digital health, and user-focused design.
The course is enriched by links to the Oxford Institute of Digital Health, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford & Thames Valley Applied Research Collaboration, and other leading research centres, providing students with real-world context and cutting-edge research opportunities.
When asked about his experience on the Applied Digital Health MSc, Sintieh says:
“The Applied Digital Health programme shaped this research from concept to publication. Through expert mentorship, coursework in digital health, and a supportive community of scholars, I gained the tools and confidence to carry out impactful research. Special thanks to Dr Cervantée Wild for her invaluable support.”
Future Implications
This research addresses a critical gap in the literature, as no previous review had comprehensively scoped the evidence on mHealth use in cardiovascular event care across Africa. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted health system strengthening, digital literacy initiatives, and the design of cost-effective, user-friendly mHealth interventions that align with existing healthcare workflows.
Given that cardiovascular diseases account for 17.9 million deaths annually worldwide, and the burden has doubled in Africa, this research provides crucial insights for policymakers and healthcare leaders working to address the continent's growing cardiovascular disease burden through digital health solutions.
The publication in BMJ Heart demonstrates the high quality and relevance of research being conducted by our graduates in the rapidly evolving field of digital health.
More information about the MSc Applied Digital Health programme can be found here.
Read the full research article here.