scholarly journals Validation of an e-health readiness assessment framework for developing countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabelo Leonard Mauco ◽  
Richard E Scott ◽  
Maurice Mars

Abstract Background Studies document e-health as having potential to improve quality of healthcare services, resulting in both developed and developing countries demonstrating continued interest in e-health uptake and use. e-Health implementations are not always successful as high failure rates have been reported in both developed and developing countries. These failures are often a result of lack of e-health readiness. e-Health readiness has been defined as the preparedness of healthcare institutions or communities for the anticipated change brought by programs related to information and communication technologies. As such it is critical to conduct an e-health readiness assessment prior to implementation of e-health innovations so as to reduce chances of project failure. Noting the absence of an adequate e-health readiness assessment framework (eHRAF) suitable for use in developing countries, the authors conceptualised, designed, and created a developing country specific eHRAF to aid in e-health policy planning. The aim of this study was to validate the developed eHRAF and to determine if it required further refinement before empirical testing. Methods Published options for a framework validation process were adopted, and fifteen globally located e-health experts engaged. Botswana experts were engaged using saturation sampling, while international experts were purposively selected. Responses were collated in an Excel spreadsheet, and NVivo 11 software used to aid thematic analysis of the open ended questions. Results Analysis of responses showed overall support for the content and format of the proposed eHRAF. Equivocal responses to some open ended questions were recorded, most of which suggested modifications to terms within the framework. One expert from the developed world had alternate views. Conclusions The proposed eHRAF provides guidance for e-health policy development and planning by identifying, in an evidence based manner, the major areas to be considered when preparing for an e-health readiness assessment in the context of developing countries.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabelo Leonard Mauco ◽  
Richard E Scott ◽  
Maurice Mars

Abstract Background Studies document e-health as having potential to improve quality of healthcare services, resulting in both developed and developing countries demonstrating continued interest in e-health uptake and use. e-Health implementations are not always successful as high failure rates have been reported in both developed and developing countries. These failures are often a result of lack of e-health readiness. e-Health readiness has been defined as the preparedness of healthcare institutions or communities for the anticipated change brought by programs related to information and communication technologies. As such it is critical to conduct an e-health readiness assessment prior to implementation of e-health innovations so as to reduce chances of project failure. Noting the absence of an adequate e-health readiness assessment framework (eHRAF) suitable for use in developing countries, the authors conceptualised, designed, and created a developing country specific eHRAF to aid in e-health policy planning. The aim of this study was to validate the developed eHRAF and to determine if it required further refinement before empirical testing. Methods Published options for a framework validation process were adopted, and fifteen globally located e-health experts engaged. Botswana experts were engaged using saturation sampling, while international experts were purposively selected. Responses were collated in an Excel spreadsheet, and NVivo 11 software used to aid thematic analysis of the open ended questions. Results Analysis of responses showed overall support for the content and format of the proposed eHRAF. Equivocal responses to some open ended questions were recorded, most of which suggested modifications to terms within the framework. One expert from the developed world had alternate views. Conclusions The proposed eHRAF provides guidance for e-health policy development and planning by identifying, in an evidence based manner, the major areas to be considered when preparing for an e-health readiness assessment in the context of developing countries.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabelo Leonard Mauco ◽  
Richard E Scott ◽  
Maurice Mars

Abstract Background: Studies document e-health as having potential to improve quality of healthcare services, resulting in both developed and developing countries demonstrating continued interest in e-health uptake and use. e-Health implementations are not always successful as high failure rates have been reported in both developed and developing countries. These failures are often a result of lack of e-health readiness. e-Health readiness has been defined as the preparedness of healthcare institutions or communities for the anticipated change brought by programs related to information and communication technologies. As such it is critical to conduct an e-health readiness assessment prior to implementation of e-health innovations so as to reduce chances of project failure. Noting the absence of an adequate e-health readiness assessment framework (eHRAF) suitable for use in developing countries, the authors conceptualised, designed, and created a developing country specific eHRAF to aid in e-health policy planning. The aim of this study was to validate the developed eHRAF and to determine if it required further refinement before empirical testing. Methods: Published options for a framework validation process were adopted, and fifteen globally located e-health experts engaged. Botswana experts were engaged using saturation sampling, while international experts were purposively selected. Responses were collated in an Excel spreadsheet, and NVivo 11 software used to aid thematic analysis of the open ended questions.Results: Analysis of responses showed overall support for the content and format of the proposed eHRAF. Equivocal responses to some open ended questions were recorded, most of which suggested modifications to terms within the framework. One expert from the developed world had alternate views.Conclusions: The proposed eHRAF provides guidance for e-health policy development and planning by identifying, in an evidence based manner, the major areas to be considered when preparing for an e-health readiness assessment in the context of developing countries.


2016 ◽  
pp. 77-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davuthan Günaydin ◽  
Hakan Cavlak ◽  
GamzeYıldız Şeren ◽  
Korhan Arun

One of the most important challenges faced by the healthcare system is the organization of healthcare services to cope with the increase in population and aging of citizens. Especially in developing countries, demographic movements of the population, regional disparities, political concerns, and increasing expectations of health services have led to a search for new ways to serve all of the population with healthcare services. With traditional methods, it is not possible to increase the supply of health services because of inadequate infrastructure and shortcomings in quantity and quality of healthcare staff. This new health system called e-health and uses all of the possibilities provided by information and communication technologies that aim to improve public health. In this chapter, the effects of e-health practices on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services are assessed and the extent of e-health practices in Turkey are evaluated.


2016 ◽  
pp. 691-707
Author(s):  
Davuthan Günaydin ◽  
Hakan Cavlak ◽  
GamzeYıldız Şeren ◽  
Korhan Arun

One of the most important challenges faced by the healthcare system is the organization of healthcare services to cope with the increase in population and aging of citizens. Especially in developing countries, demographic movements of the population, regional disparities, political concerns, and increasing expectations of health services have led to a search for new ways to serve all of the population with healthcare services. With traditional methods, it is not possible to increase the supply of health services because of inadequate infrastructure and shortcomings in quantity and quality of healthcare staff. This new health system called e-health and uses all of the possibilities provided by information and communication technologies that aim to improve public health. In this chapter, the effects of e-health practices on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services are assessed and the extent of e-health practices in Turkey are evaluated.


Author(s):  
Cheon-Pyo Lee ◽  
J. P. Shim

Ubiquitous healthcare has become possible with rapid advances in information and communication technologies. Ubiquitous healthcare will bring about an increased accessibility to healthcare providers, more efficient tasks and processes, and a higher quality of healthcare services. radio frequency identification (RFID) is a key technology of ubiquitous healthcare and enables a fully automated solution for information delivery, thus reducing the potential for human error. This chapter provides an overview of ubiquitous healthcare and RFID applications. In this chapter, the background of ubiquitous computing and RFID technologies, current RFID applications in hospitals, and the future trends and privacy implications of RFID in hospitals are discussed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz Pędziński ◽  
Paweł Sowa ◽  
Waldemar Pędziński ◽  
Michalina Krzyżak ◽  
Dominik Maślach ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite the great expansion and many benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT) in healthcare, the attitudes of Polish general practitioners (GPs) to e-health have not been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the GPs’ perception of ICT use in healthcare and to identify barriers to the adoption of EMR (Electronic Medical Records) in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Online and telephone surveys were conducted between April and May 2013. Responses from 103 GP practices, 43% of all practices in the region, were analysed. The results showed that 67% of the respondents agreed that IT systems improve quality of healthcare services. In the GP group who declared at least partial EMR implementation, 71.4% see the positive impact of IT on practice staff processes and 66.1% on personal working processes. In this group, more than three-quarters of GPs did not see any positive impact of ICT on the average number of patients treated per day, number of patients within the practice or scope of services. The four most common barriers to EMR implementation were: lack of funds, risk of a malfunction in the system, resistance to change, and lack of training and proper information. Although the use of ICT by Polish GPs is limited, their attitude to e-health is generally positive or neutral and resembles the overall pattern in Europe. Barriers identified by GPs need to be taken into account to ensure the effective implementation of e-health across the country.


Author(s):  
Kabelo Leonard Mauco ◽  
Richard E. Scott ◽  
Maurice Mars

Background: e-Health readiness has been described as the preparedness of healthcare institutions, communities, or individuals for the anticipated change brought by programmes related to ICT use. Assessment of e-health readiness prior to the implementation of e-health innovations can therefore facilitate the process of change for individuals and organisations to adopt e-health programmes and avoid disappointment. The literature shows that although many e-health readiness assessment frameworks and tools exist, none meet all the requirements for e-health readiness assessment in developing countries. The aim of this study was to develop an e-health readiness assessment framework applicable to developing countries. Methods: A three-step process gleaned from the e-health literature (literature review / material collection; analysis / content analysis; consolidation / conceptual framework synthesis), together with iterative and reflective processes based on prior research undertaken by this group, guided framework conceptualisation and design. Results: An evidence-based framework was developed that: incorporates the need to assess readiness for each e-health component separately; identifies government’s central role in engaging all relevant stakeholders; and the need to assess the adequacy of a country’s infrastructure and infostructure prior to e-health planning and possible implementation. Also addressed by the framework is a need for an e-health readiness assessment to be undertaken using separate tools for technical and non-technical individuals. A country’s e-Readiness is highlighted as an important indicator for e-health readiness. Conclusions: The intent of the final framework is to inform and assist policy and decision makers, and facilitate future successful implementation of e-health initiatives in the developing world.


Author(s):  
P.A. Kostagiolas ◽  
D. Kaitelidou

The ongoing information revolution calls for the exploitation of new information services that may set to support the traditional quality management approaches in healthcare. The developments in information and communication technologies offer new opportunities, with the need for effective information management grow ing within it. This chapter addresses the following issues: What might be an approach for quality management considering the rapid advances of information technology and the growth of the “new economy”? What might be the contribution of library and information services in the improvement of the healthcare services quality? In order to study the aforementioned questions, initially the information requirements of well known quality management approaches such as ISO 9001:2000 and EFQM are investigated and thereafter, the role of library and information services is discussed. The design of library and information services for the support of quality is an interesting and innovative area of research within healthcare services.


Author(s):  
Cheon-Pyo Lee ◽  
J. P. Shim

Ubiquitous healthcare has become possible with rapid advances in information and communication technologies. Ubiquitous healthcare will bring about an increased accessibility to healthcare providers, more efficient tasks and processes, and a higher quality of healthcare services. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a key technology of ubiquitous healthcare and enables a fully automated solution for information delivery, thus reducing the potential for human error. This chapter provides an overview of ubiquitous healthcare and RFID applications. In this chapter, the background of ubiquitous computing and RFID technologies, current RFID applications in hospitals, and the future trends and privacy implications of RFID in hospitals are discussed.


Author(s):  
Davuthan Günaydin ◽  
Hakan Cavlak ◽  
GamzeYıldız Şeren ◽  
Korhan Arun

One of the most important challenges faced by the healthcare system is the organization of healthcare services to cope with the increase in population and aging of citizens. Especially in developing countries, demographic movements of the population, regional disparities, political concerns, and increasing expectations of health services have led to a search for new ways to serve all of the population with healthcare services. With traditional methods, it is not possible to increase the supply of health services because of inadequate infrastructure and shortcomings in quantity and quality of healthcare staff. This new health system called e-health and uses all of the possibilities provided by information and communication technologies that aim to improve public health. In this chapter, the effects of e-health practices on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services are assessed and the extent of e-health practices in Turkey are evaluated.


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