Utilisation of Health Information Systems for Service Delivery in the Namibian Environment

2016 ◽  
pp. 169-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Karon
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
The Public

The use of Health Information Systems (HIS) is considered to be a major contributing factor to healthcare service delivery. However, the utilisation of HIS which includes use and management is critically challenging in the public health sector in many developing countries. The manifestation of the challenges results in poor service delivery, which includes patient deaths. This is the main motivation for this study, to investigate how HIS can be used to improve service delivering in the hospitals from developing countries perspective. The study was carried out in Namibia, using two hospitals in the public healthcare. The study adopted the qualitative case study. The study revealed that the use of parallel systems, lack of systems integration, lack of portable devices and users' incompetency are some of the factors which impact the use and management of HIS in hospitals.

Utilisation of Health Information Systems for Service Delivery in the Namibian Environment

2017 ◽  
pp. 869-883
Author(s):  
Ronald Karon
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
The Public

The use of Health Information Systems (HIS) is considered to be a major contributing factor to healthcare service delivery. However, the utilisation of HIS which includes use and management is critically challenging in the public health sector in many developing countries. The manifestation of the challenges results in poor service delivery, which includes patient deaths. This is the main motivation for this study, to investigate how HIS can be used to improve service delivering in the hospitals from developing countries perspective. The study was carried out in Namibia, using two hospitals in the public healthcare. The study adopted the qualitative case study. The study revealed that the use of parallel systems, lack of systems integration, lack of portable devices and users' incompetency are some of the factors which impact the use and management of HIS in hospitals.

Utilisation of Health Information Systems for Service Delivery in the Namibian Environment

2019 ◽  
pp. 398-412
Author(s):  
Ronald Karon
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
The Public

The use of Health Information Systems (HIS) is considered to be a major contributing factor to healthcare service delivery. However, the utilisation of HIS which includes use and management is critically challenging in the public health sector in many developing countries. The manifestation of the challenges results in poor service delivery, which includes patient deaths. This is the main motivation for this study, to investigate how HIS can be used to improve service delivering in the hospitals from developing countries perspective. The study was carried out in Namibia, using two hospitals in the public healthcare. The study adopted the qualitative case study. The study revealed that the use of parallel systems, lack of systems integration, lack of portable devices and users' incompetency are some of the factors which impact the use and management of HIS in hospitals.

scholarly journals Health Information Systems: a Survey of Frame-works for Developing Countries

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.B. Marcelo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Excellent Research ◽  
World Demand ◽  
Constrained Environments

Summary Objectives: The objective of this paper is to perform a survey of excellent research on health information systems (HIS) analysis and design, and their underlying theoretical frameworks. It classifies these frameworks along major themes, and analyzes the different approaches to HIS development that are practical in resource-constrained environments. Method: Literature review based on PubMed citations and conference proceedings, as well as Internet searches on information systems in general, and health information systems in particular. Results: The field of health information systems development has been studied extensively. Despite this, failed implementations are still common. Theoretical frameworks for HIS development are available that can guide implementers. Conclusion: As awareness, acceptance, and demand for health information systems increase globally, the variety of approaches and strategies will also follow. For developing countries with scarce resources, a trial-and-error approach can be very costly. Lessons from the successes and failures of initial HIS implementations have been abstracted into theoretical frameworks. These frameworks organize complex HIS concepts into methodologies that standardize techniques in implementation. As globalization continues to impact healthcare in the developing world, demand for more responsive health systems will become urgent. More comprehensive frameworks and practical tools to guide HIS implementers will be imperative.

Health information systems in Namibia

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 358-376
Author(s):  
Cathrine Tambudzai Nengomasha ◽  
Ruth Abankwah ◽  
Wilhelm Uutoni ◽  
Lilian Pazvakawambwa
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Data Survey

Purpose This paper aims to report some findings of a study that investigated health information systems (HISs) in Namibia with a view of establishing the nature of these systems and coming up with recommendations on how these could be enhanced. Design/methodology/approach This study applied a mixed methods research approach, using interviews and survey questionnaire to collect data. Survey data were analysed for descriptive statistics using SPSS and data from interviews were analysed applying content analysis for data analysis. Findings The findings of this study indicate fragmented HISs resulting in duplication of diagnosis, tests and treatment. The findings show that there were errors in capturing data into the systems, which could compromise the reliability of the data and compromise service delivery. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to two (Khomas and Oshana) of the fourteen regions in Namibia; therefore, further studies could look at other regions, as the study findings cannot be generalised to the entire country. Practical implications The findings and recommendations, particularly those relating to the public health sector, could inform policies and procedures, especially those relating to the patient health passport (card), and the way health information is shared within and across health sectors. Originality/value This study focused on health information sharing, whereas a previous study on HISs concentrated on quality of healthcare.

Information Technology and Resistance to Public Sector Reforms

2012 ◽  
pp. 14-33
Author(s):  
Roberta Bernardi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Health Sector Reforms ◽  
Public Sector Reforms ◽  
Global And Local

The objective of the chapter is to discuss how Information Technology can mitigate constraints to policy implementations stemming from a highly contested context. Main recommendations have been drawn by discussing main challenges met by Kenya in the restructuring of its health Information Systems as demanded by health sector reforms. The discussion will focus on how Information Technology can be used to limit the drawbacks of a highly contested policy context, mediate between global and local interests, and mitigate resistance to change. The chapter concludes with main recommendations on how to extend research on the implications of software designs in implementing public sector reforms and other policies in developing countries.

Evaluating health information systems: An assessment of frameworks

1997 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan Jayasuriya
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Finite Amount ◽  
Positivist Approach

The rapid increase in investments for computerised systems is a major concern for all health organisations. Questions about these investments arise as information technologyis only one of the areas that are competing for a finite amount of resources. There is also some concern that some of the failures of information technology would have been detected if proper evaluation of information systems were conducted. The state of the art of evaluating information systems shows changes from a very positivist approach tomore comprehensive approaches that would incorporate multiple methods. This paperpresents an assessment of the techniques and methods for information systems evaluation, followed by an application to a case study in community health to illustrate the value of the contextualist approach to evaluation. The paper argues for the use of longitudinal, contextualist approaches to information systems evaluation if decision-makers seek to improve the situation of information systems in the health industry.

Strengthening Healthcare Systems and Health Information Systems

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sundeep Sahay ◽  
T Sundararaman ◽  
Jørn Braa
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Informatics ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Systems Design ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Health Systems Strengthening ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Public Health Informatics ◽  
Reform Processes

Establishment of health information systems has been a central objective of health sector reform in nearly all LMICs over the last two to three decades. Historically, reform processes have taken introduction of health information systems as inhertently strengthening health sector performance. But today it is more appropriate to talk of health sector strengthening as co-evolving with health information systems strengthening, each reinforcing the performance and reform agendas of the other. The need to build synergies is heightened as there are a multitude of global and national health reform processes underway, like those assoicated with the sustainable development goals or with universal health coverage and each of these have expanded informational needs, requiring robust, flexible, and evolving health information systems. An understanding of the challenges faced by efforts at health systems strengthening helps provide meaningful inputs into health information systems design and vice versa. Such an understanding will enrich public health informatics as an academic discipline, as an area of practice, and as a policy domain.

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