The Implementation of Ai Self-triage Systems as a Digital Health Solution for Primary Healthcare in Kenya: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Digital innovation has brought about huge paradigm shifts on how services are rendered to end-users in many sectors of the Kenya economy. Information and technology is seen to hold more potential within the healthcare sector by enhancing access to healthcare, cutting down operational cost and revolutionizing patient care. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework that will guide the implementation of the AI self-triage system within the healthcare sector in Kenya. Existing framework for the implementation of AI-based self-triage systems within healthcare sectors are meant for developed countries and are not adequate enough to be applied in developing country like Kenya. The study use embraced an epistemological view of things in undertaking grounded theory. The grounded theory approach was adopted in the collection and analysis of data for purpose of delivering a data driven model for implementation of AI-self-triage systems. Being a relative new field and topic, the study used snowball and saturation sampling to interview 10 respondents where aspects such as hindrances to quality healthcare, self-medication, experience in utilization of AI-based self-triage systems and recommendations on use and adoption of the self-triage tools were interrogated. Analysis of the data was by using NVivo software version 11 where codes, categories and themes were discovered from the underlying data. From data analysis where initial, axial and selective coding were embraced, the study uncovered five themes and 15 codes which formed the basis of memoing and the establishment of relationships. The identified themes include: hindrances to access to quality healthcare, prevalence of self-medication, inefficiencies at healthcare facilities, existing self-medication tools and their efficacy and requirement for adoption of AI self-triage systems. The developed framework highlights factors behind the preference of self-medication within the society and establishes the preference for AI-based self-medication. The framework takes into consideration end-user preferences for AI-self triage systems and how these preferences influence requirements for implementation of AI self-triage systems. From the framework prerequisites for the implementation of self-triage systems within the Kenyan health sector have been outlined. The model proposes key aspects such as policy, IT infrastructure, presence regulatory organizations and efficacy of AI self-triage systems as key requirements for their implementation. Findings of the study may in future influence policy formulation and shift the focus of digital innovation within healthcare from operational oriented to patient-centered systems and tools. Proper implementation of AI-based self-triage tools within the health sector may promote safe self-medication and enhance access to quality healthcare.