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Ndlovu K, Stein N, Gaopelo R, Annechino M, Molwantwa MC, Monkge M, Forrestel A, Williams VL. Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptance of a Mobile Clinical Decision Support System in a Resource-Limited Country: Exploratory Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e48946. [PMID: 37815861 PMCID: PMC10599284 DOI: 10.2196/48946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-limited countries, access to specialized health care services such as dermatology is limited. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) offer innovative solutions to address this challenge. However, the implementation of CDSSs is commonly associated with unique challenges. VisualDx-an exemplar CDSS-was recently implemented in Botswana to provide reference materials in support of the diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions. To inform the sustainable implementation of VisualDx in Botswana, it is important to evaluate the intended users' perceptions about the technology. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine health care workers' acceptance of VisualDx to gauge the feasibility of future adoption in Botswana and other similar health care systems. METHODS The study's design was informed by constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model. An explanatory, sequential, mixed methods study involving surveys and semistructured interviews was conducted. The REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture; Vanderbilt University) platform supported web-based data capture from March 2021 through August 2021. In total, 28 health care workers participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were generated and analyzed using Excel (Microsoft Corp), and thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed using Delve software. RESULTS All survey respondents (N=28) expressed interest in using mobile health technology to support their work. Before VisualDx, participants referenced textbooks, journal articles, and Google search engines. Overall, participants' survey responses showed their confidence in VisualDx (18/19, 95%); however, some barriers were noted. Frequently used VisualDx features included generating a differential diagnosis through manual entry of patient symptoms (330/681, 48.5% of total uses) or using the artificial intelligence feature to analyze skin conditions (150/681, 22% of total uses). Overall, 61% (17/28) of the survey respondents were also interviewed, and 4 thematic areas were derived. CONCLUSIONS Participants' responses indicated their willingness to accept VisualDx. The ability to access information quickly without internet connection is crucial in resource-constrained environments. Selected enhancements to VisualDx may further increase its feasibility in Botswana. Study findings can serve as the basis for improving future CDSS studies and innovations in Botswana and similar resource-limited countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kagiso Ndlovu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Nate Stein
- Department of Product Management, VisualDx, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ruth Gaopelo
- Department of Computer Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Michael Annechino
- Department of Business Development, Unleash, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Mmoloki C Molwantwa
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mosadikhumo Monkge
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Amy Forrestel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Victoria L Williams
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Abbasi H, Rahimi B, Jebraeily M, Nourani A. End-users' perspectives on factors affecting implementation and utilization of the Iranian electronic health record system: a qualitative study in a developing country. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1064. [PMID: 37798629 PMCID: PMC10557278 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the most important information technologies for storing, managing, and exchanging health information, the electronic health record (EHR) plays a major role in the health system. However, these systems in developing countries have been associated with multidimensional issues. The purpose of the present study was the assessment of nonclinical end-users' points of view on the implementation and utilization of the Iranian electronic health record system. METHODS This was a large qualitative study conducted in 2021 for 7 months from February to August. In this study, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 70 non-clinical end-users in 22 public and six private hospitals of West Azerbaijan province in Iran. To analyze the data, the thematic analysis method was used. RESULTS The study results indicated that technical, human, cultural, managerial, and financial readiness are the most important factors affecting the implementation of EHRs in Iran. Among the mentioned factors, technical and human readiness were emphasized more by the users. Also, technical, organizational, human, and managerial factors were identified as factors influencing EHRs utilization, and technical and organizational factors had a stronger role in the system utilization. CONCLUSIONS According to the results, several factors influence EHR implementation and adequate utilization in Iran. To achieve the predetermined goals of this system, implementation issues and problems of using the system should be considered and solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Abbasi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Bahlol Rahimi
- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mohamad Jebraeily
- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Aynaz Nourani
- Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Yilma TM, Tilahun B, Mamuye A, Kerie H, Nurhussien F, Zemen E, Mebratu A, Abebaw T, Gebeyehu H, Abay S, Sisay G, Getachew R, Zemene W, Tesfaye S, Tegegne MD. Organizational and health professional readiness for the implementation of electronic medical record system: an implication for the current EMR implementation in northwest Ethiopia. BMJ Health Care Inform 2023; 30:bmjhci-2022-100723. [PMID: 36863764 PMCID: PMC9990606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2022-100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The WHO developed a manual outlining the preliminary organizational and health professionals' readiness to implement electronic medical records (EMR). On the other hand, the readiness assessment in Ethiopia only includes the evaluation of health professionals, leaving out organisational readiness components. As a result, this research aimed to determine health professionals' and organizational readiness to implement EMR at a specialized teaching hospital. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 423 health professionals and 54 managers. Self-administered and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with health professionals' readiness for EMR implementation. An OR with a 95% CI and p<0.05 was used to determine the strength of the association and the statistical significance, respectively. RESULTS In this study, 53.7% management capacity, 33.3% finance and budget capacity, 42.6% operational capacity, 37.0% technology capability and 53.7% organisational alignment among the five dimensions evaluated to assess an organisation's readiness to implement an EMR system. Of 411 health professionals in this study, 173 (42.1%) with (95 CI 37.3% to 46.8%) were ready to implement an EMR system at the hospital. Sex (AOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.73 to 4.18), basic computer training (AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.46), knowledge of EMR (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.97) and attitudes towards EMR (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.59) were significantly associated with health professionals' readiness towards EMR system implementation. CONCLUSIONS Findings showed that most dimensions of organizational readiness for EMR implementation were below 50%. This study also revealed a lower level of EMR implementation readiness among health professionals compared with previous research studies' results. To improve organisational readiness to implement an electronic medical record system, a focus on management capability, financial and budget capability, operational capability, technical capability and organisational alignment was crucial. Likewise, having basic computer training, giving special attention to female health professionals and improving health professionals' knowledge of and attitudes towards EMR could help improve the readiness level of health professionals for implementing an EMR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfahun Melese Yilma
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- eHealth Lab Ethiopia, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Binyam Tilahun
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- eHealth Lab Ethiopia, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Mamuye
- Department of Computer Science, College of Informatics,University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Fedlu Nurhussien
- Department of Computer Science, College of Informatics,University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sefiw Abay
- Health Management Information System Unit, University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Sisay
- Department of Information System, College of Informatics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Redet Getachew
- Department of Computer Science, College of Informatics,University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wondewossen Zemene
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Masresha Derese Tegegne
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Legenza L, Coetzee R, Rose WE, Esack T, Crombie K, Mina M, Safdar N, Barnett SG. Application of consolidated framework for implementation research to improve Clostridioides difficile infection management in district hospitals. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:4100-4111. [PMID: 35981939 PMCID: PMC9891768 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) contributes the global threats of drug resistant infections, healthcare acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance. Yet CDI knowledge among healthcare providers in low-resource settings is limited and CDI testing, treatment, and infection prevention measures are often delayed. OBJECTIVES to develop a CDI intervention informed by the local context within South African public district level hospitals, and analyze the CDI intervention and implementation process. METHODS A CDI checklist intervention was designed and implemented at three district level hospitals in the Western Cape, South Africa that volunteered to participate. Data collection included a retrospective medical records review of patients hospitalized with C. difficile test orders during the 90 days post-implementation. Patient outcomes and checklist components (e.g. antibiotics) were collected. Qualitative interviews (n = 14) and focus groups (n = 6) were conducted with healthcare providers on-site. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) were applied to collected data and observations in order to identify drivers and barriers to implementation and understand differences in uptake. RESULTS One of the three hospitals displayed high intervention uptake. Highly relevant CFIR constructs linked to intervention uptake included tension for change, strong peer intervention champions, champions in influential leadership positions, and the intervention's simplicity (CFIR construct: complexity). Tension for change, a recognized need to improve CDI identification and treatment, at the high uptake hospital was also supported by an academic partnership for antimicrobial stewardship. CONCLUSIONS This research provides a straight-forward health systems strengthening intervention for CDI that is both needed and uncomplicated, in an understudied low resource setting. Intervention uptake was highest in the hospital with tension for change, influential champions, and existing academic partnerships. Implementation in settings with fewer academic connections requires further testing of collaborative implementation strategies and proactive adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Legenza
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, United States; University of the Western Cape School of Pharmacy, Robert Sobukwe, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa.
| | - Renier Coetzee
- University of the Western Cape School of Pharmacy, Robert Sobukwe, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa; University of the Western Cape School of Public Health, Robert Sobukwe, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
| | - Warren E Rose
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, United States
| | - Tasneem Esack
- Victoria Hospital, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800, South Africa
| | - Kenneth Crombie
- University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Megan Mina
- University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa; General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, 4450, South Africa
| | - Nasia Safdar
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, United States
| | - Susanne G Barnett
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, United States
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The effectiveness of champions in implementing innovations in health care: a systematic review. Implement Sci Commun 2022; 3:80. [PMID: 35869516 PMCID: PMC9308185 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-022-00315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Champions have been documented in the literature as an important strategy for implementation, yet their effectiveness has not been well synthesized in the health care literature. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether champions, tested in isolation from other implementation strategies, are effective at improving innovation use or outcomes in health care. Methods The JBI systematic review method guided this study. A peer-reviewed search strategy was applied to eight electronic databases to identify relevant articles. We included all published articles and unpublished theses and dissertations that used a quantitative study design to evaluate the effectiveness of champions in implementing innovations within health care settings. Two researchers independently completed study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal. We used content analysis and vote counting to synthesize our data. Results After screening 7566 records titles and abstracts and 2090 full text articles, we included 35 studies in our review. Most of the studies (71.4%) operationalized the champion strategy by the presence or absence of a champion. In a subset of seven studies, five studies found associations between exposure to champions and increased use of best practices, programs, or technological innovations at an organizational level. In other subsets, the evidence pertaining to use of champions and innovation use by patients or providers, or at improving outcomes was either mixed or scarce. Conclusions We identified a small body of literature reporting an association between use of champions and increased instrumental use of innovations by organizations. However, more research is needed to determine causal relationship between champions and innovation use and outcomes. Even though there are no reported adverse effects in using champions, opportunity costs may be associated with their use. Until more evidence becomes available about the effectiveness of champions at increasing innovation use and outcomes, the decision to deploy champions should consider the needs and resources of the organization and include an evaluation plan. To further our understanding of champions’ effectiveness, future studies should (1) use experimental study designs in conjunction with process evaluations, (2) describe champions and their activities and (3) rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of champions’ activities. Registration Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ba3d2). Registered on November 15, 2020.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43058-022-00315-0.
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Lee S, Lee YJ, Kim S, Choi W, Jeong Y, Rhim NJ, Seo I, Kim SY. Perceptions on Data Quality, Use, and Management Following the Adoption of Tablet-Based Electronic Health Records: Results from a Pre-Post Survey with District Health Officers in Ghana. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:1457-1468. [PMID: 35855755 PMCID: PMC9288181 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s368704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose An electronic health record (EHR) system known as the e-Tracker was introduced in community health facilities in Ghana and numerous advantages were expected for clinical staff, as evidenced by previous literature. However, little is known about public health officials’ views, specifically in low-resource settings. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of district health officers on data quality, use, and management following the adoption of tablet-based electronic health records in Ghana. Methods A pre- and post-survey was conducted in two regions of Ghana that adopted the e-Tracker for the entire districts during the early stages of the national rollout. Sociodemographic information, internet connection environment, and perceptions on data quality, use, and management were measured. McNemar’s test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test were performed to identify changes in perceptions. Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to find any statistical differences in demographic characteristics between the two regions. Results Twenty-four out of 25 districts in Volta and 24 out of 26 districts in Eastern regions participated in both pre- and post-surveys, with a total of 73 participants. In terms of efficiency in data management, the district health officers reported reduced time commitment in data validation and aggregation. Within less than a year, however, no statistically significant improvement was found in data quality and the use of electronic data for relevant tasks. Conclusion A new EHR system in low-resource settings can rapidly improve efficiency in data management from the public health officials’ perspectives. Further impact evaluation is warranted to assess the long-term effect of the EHR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seohyun Lee
- Department of Global Public Administration, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ji Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SeYeon Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonil Choi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Jeong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Sun-Young Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Sung M, He J, Zhou Q, Chen Y, Ji JS, Chen H, Li Z. Using an Integrated Framework to Investigate the Facilitators and Barriers of Health Information Technology Implementation in Noncommunicable Disease Management: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37338. [PMID: 35857364 PMCID: PMC9350822 DOI: 10.2196/37338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noncommunicable disease (NCD) management is critical for reducing attributable health burdens. Although health information technology (HIT) is a crucial strategy to improve chronic disease management, many health care systems have failed in implementing HIT. There has been a lack of research on the implementation process of HIT for chronic disease management. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of HIT implementation, analyze how these factors influence the implementation process, and identify key areas for future action. We will develop a framework for understanding implementation determinants to synthesize available evidence. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to understand the barriers and facilitators of the implementation process. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies published between database inception and May 5, 2022. Original studies involving HIT-related interventions for NCD management published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Studies that did not discuss relevant outcome measures or did not have direct contact with or observation of stakeholders were excluded. The analysis was conducted in 2 parts. In part 1, we analyzed how the intrinsic attributes of HIT interventions affect the successfulness of implementation by using the intervention domain of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). In part 2, we focused on the extrinsic factors of HIT using an integrated framework, which was developed based on the CFIR and the levels of change framework by Ferlie and Shortell. RESULTS We identified 51 papers with qualitative, mixed-method, and cross-sectional methodologies. Included studies were heterogeneous regarding disease populations and HIT interventions. In part 1, having a relative advantage over existing health care systems was the most prominent intrinsic facilitator (eg, convenience, improvement in quality of care, and increase in access). Poor usability was the most noted intrinsic barrier of HIT. In part 2, we mapped the various factors of implementation to the integrated framework (the coordinates are shown as level of change-CFIR). The key barriers to the extrinsic factors of HIT included health literacy and lack of digital skills (individual-characteristics of individuals). The key facilitators included physicians' suggestions, cooperation (interpersonal-process), integration into a workflow, and adequate management of data (organizational-inner setting). The importance of health data security was identified. Self-efficacy issues of patients and organizational readiness for implementation were highlighted. CONCLUSIONS Internal factors of HIT and external human factors of implementation interplay in HIT implementation for chronic disease management. Strategies for improvement include ensuring HIT has a relative advantage over existing health care; tackling usability issues; and addressing underlying socioeconomic, interpersonal, and organizational conditions. Further research should focus on studying various stakeholders, such as service providers and administrative workforces; various disease populations, such as those with obesity and mental diseases; and various countries, including low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meekang Sung
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyu He
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haotian Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua Universtiy, Beijing, China
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Ngusie HS, Kassie SY, Chereka AA, Enyew EB. Healthcare providers' readiness for electronic health record adoption: a cross-sectional study during pre-implementation phase. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:282. [PMID: 35232436 PMCID: PMC8889777 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of an electronic health record (EHR) in the healthcare system has the potential to make healthcare service delivery effective and efficient by providing accurate, up-to-date, and complete information. Despite its great importance, the adoptions of EHR in low-income country settings, like Ethiopia, were lagging and increasingly failed. Assessing the readiness of stakeholders before the actual adoption of EHR is considered the prominent solution to tackle the problem. However, little is known about healthcare providers' EHR readiness in this study setting. Accordingly, this research was conducted aiming at examining healthcare providers' readiness for EHR adoption and associated factors in southwestern Ethiopia. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to October 30, 2021. A total of 423 healthcare providers working in public hospitals were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify determinant factors of overall healthcare providers' readiness after the other covariates were controlled. RESULT In this study, the overall good readiness level of EHR adoption was 52.8% (n = 204) [95% CI of 47.9% to 56.6%]. Age, computer literacy, computer access at health facilities, attitude towards EHRs, awareness about EHRs, perceived benefit, and perceived technology self-efficacy were significantly associated with the overall health care providers' readiness for the adoption of EHR using a cut point of P-value less than 0.05. CONCLUSION Around half of the respondents had a good level of overall healthcare providers' readiness for the adoption of EHR which was considered inadequate. This finding implied that a huge effort is required to improve readiness before the actual implementation of EHRs. The finding implied that younger-aged groups were more ready for such technology which in turn implied; the older one needs more concern. Enhancing computer literacy, confidence building to raise self-efficacy of such technology, addressing the issue of computer availability at health facilities, building a positive attitude, awareness campaign of EHR, and recognizing the usefulness of such systems were the necessary measures to improve EHR readiness in this setting. Additionally, further studies are recommended to encompass all types of EHR readiness such as organizational readiness, technology readiness, societal readiness, and so on. Additionally, exploring the healthcare provider opinion with qualitative study and extending the proposed study to other implementation settings are recommended to be addressed by future works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habtamu Setegn Ngusie
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, P.O.Box:318, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Yitayih Kassie
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, P.O.Box:318, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Alex Ayenew Chereka
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, P.O.Box:318, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Ermias Bekele Enyew
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, P.O.Box:318, Mettu, Ethiopia
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Getachew E, Woldeamanuel Y, Manyazewal T. Capacity and Readiness Assessment of Healthcare Facilities for Digital Health Interventions Against Tuberculosis and HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:821390. [PMID: 35295619 PMCID: PMC8918491 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.821390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a high level of concern that low-income countries lack the capacity and readiness to effectively adopt, implement, and scale up digital health interventions (DHIs). We aimed to assess the infrastructure and human resource capacity and readiness of healthcare facilities to adopt and implement any new DHI for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV care and treatment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method We carried out a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study in 14 public healthcare facilities that provide TB and HIV care and treatment services. Providers' perceived readiness to adopt and implement digital health was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire designed based on an adapted eHealth readiness assessment model that covers six domains: core readiness, organizational cultural readiness, value proposition readiness, technological readiness, regulatory policy readiness, and operational resource readiness. The infrastructure and human resource capacity were assessed on-site using a tool adapted from the Technology Infrastructure Checklist. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and the significant relationship between the composite variables was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r). Result We assessed 14 facilities on-site and surveyed 60 TB and HIV healthcare providers. According to Cronbach's alpha test, all the six technology acceptance domains had a value of >0.8, suggesting a strong interrelatedness between the measuring items. The correlation between technological readiness and operational resource readiness was significant (r = 0.8). The providers perceived their work environment as good enough in electronic data protection, while more efforts are needed in planning, training, adapting, and implementing digital health. Of the 14 facilities, 64.3% lack the plan to establish a functional local area network, and 43% lack skilled staff on payroll to provide maintenance of computers and other digital technologies. Conclusion Like many developing countries, there was a modest infrastructure and human resource capacity and readiness of public healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to nurture and strengthen DHIs across the TB and HIV cascades of care. Technological and operational resource readiness, including funding and a Well-trained workforce, are essential for successful implementation and use of digital health against the two infectious diseases of global importance in such settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emnet Getachew
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia
| | - Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Namatovu HK, Oyana TJ, Sol HG. Barriers to eHealth adoption in routine antenatal care practices: Perspectives of expectant mothers in Uganda - A qualitative study using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. Digit Health 2021; 7:20552076211064406. [PMID: 34900326 PMCID: PMC8664308 DOI: 10.1177/20552076211064406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Current empirical evidence suggests that successful adoption of eHealth systems improves maternal health outcomes, yet there are still existing gaps in adopting such systems in Uganda. Service delivery in maternal health is operating in a spectrum of inadequacy, hence eHealth adoption cannot ensue. This study set out to explore the challenges that impede eHealth adoption in women's routine antenatal care practices in Uganda. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was employed to document challenges. These challenges were classified based on a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology constructs. One hundred and fifteen expectant mothers, aged between 18 and 49 years, who spoke either English or Luganda were included in the study that took place between January to May 2019. Thematic analysis using template analysis was adopted to analyse qualitative responses. Challenges were categorised based on five principal unified theories of acceptance and use of technology constructs namely: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and behavioural intention. Facilitating conditions had more influence on technology acceptance and adoption than the other four constructs. Specifically, the lack of training prior to using the system, technical support, computers and smart phones had a downhill effect on adoption. Subsequently, the cost of data services, internet intermittency, and the lack of systems that bridge the gap between mothers and health providers further hindered technology uptake. In conclusion, strategies such as co-development, training end-users, garnering support at the national and hospital levels should be advocated to improve user acceptance of technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasifah Kasujja Namatovu
- Department of Information Systems, School of Computing and Informatics Technology, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tonny Justus Oyana
- Geospatial Data and Computational Intelligence Lab, School of Computing and Informatics Technology, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henk Gerard Sol
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
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