Evaluation of Information and Communication Technology Systems for Healthcare Provision in Low & Middle Income Countries

Abstract

In order to make appropriate decisions while providing care to a patient, a healthcare provider needs to be furnished with all necessary information. This information will be captured, processed, stored and exchanged using various information management systems. Applying ICT in these systems requires considerable investments in terms of infrastructure and human skill which is faced with inadequate resources In Low and Middle Income countries. Hence, this study sought to assess the effectiveness and efficiency experienced by the healthcare sector due to application of ICT systems in healthcare. Specifically the study sought to: determine the type of systems used to manage health information; establish the challenges inherent in the healthcare information systems and recommend measures to mitigate the challenges inherent in the current systems. The study adopted a mixed method research approach utilizing a case study. The study targeted a population of 82 respondents where 34 were sampled comprising of 3 Clinical Officers, 2 Doctors, 2 Laboratory Technicians, 10 Nurses, 10 Patients, 3 Pharmacists, 3 Records Officers and 1 ICT Staff. Purposive sampling was used to draw out all the providers and informatician target while simple random and purposive sampling was used to draw out the 10 patients. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentary reviews. Quantitative data was subjected to descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study established that manual and computerised systems are under use by Kabarak University Health Centre to record/capture patient information in an episode of care and that records, consultation, laboratory, and pharmacy sections have been computerized. It was also established that ICT is being employed in the provision of healthcare in Low and Middle income countries but that challenges exist in their adoption and use. The study therefore recommended increased investments in ICT infrastructure; adoption of mobile technology to further accessibility of healthcare information and enactment of enabling HIS policies and awareness creation.