Technology Needs in a Healthcare Environment: Assessment of Information Communication Technology at Ejisu Government Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Information, Communication Technology (ICT) offers innovative ways for healthcare organisations to increase access to quality healthcare delivery and to ensure proficient administration of healthcare resources. The ICT policy initiative in the Ghana Ministry of Health supports a framework that highlights the use of emerging technology in healthcare and proper deployment of ICT to hasten the delivery of healthcare in all health facilities across the country. However, the application of ICT in most of the facilities is plagued with several challenges. This paper examines ICT needs of Ejisu government hospital in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. We collected quantitative data from 22 respondents [service providers (n=11) and patients (n=11)], conducted direct observation of hospital inventory and reviewed hospital documents. We used descriptive statistical analysis to describe the sample variables that emerged from the three themes: use of technology; opportunities for funding of health information technology; barriers and strengths of implementing ICT interventions in the facility. To calculate reliability scores, percentage and means of component variables were used. The results showed that majority of health workers engage in the use of electronic health record system, electronic medical records, health information exchange, electronic registry and internet use. Majority of the staff have used electronic medical records or electronic health records before. High ICT cost and limited infrastructure were the leading challenges faced by providers while low health literacy and high internet cost were the main barriers on the part of patients. The findings further demonstrated that willingness to learn and implement technology interventions were the major strengths for both providers and patients. The paper contributes to ICT application in a healthcare environment and recommends improvement in ICT infrastructure and education for patients and a subsidised operational cost for ICT implementation in the facility.