| dc.description.abstract | Successful implementation of patient care information systems (PCIS) in health care
organizations is fundamental. In line with United Nations millennium development goal on
improving healthcare, there is an urgent need to improve on our health care delivery services
through the use of lCTs. However this process is faced with several challenges.
This study focused on the various challenges that inhibit the successful integration of Health
Management Information systems between Kenyatta as a referral hospital and other referring
hospitals around in the Nairobi metropolitan. The study was undertaken in recognition of the
main challenges in the patients.' referral process between a referral hospital and referring
centers.
The research was a survey of nine (9) hospitals that refers patients to Kenyatta National
Hospital in the Nairobi metropolitan area. The survey critically evaluated the challenges and
motivations faced by hospitals towards successful implementation of electronic referral
hospital systems. The study assessed the hospital's management/ administration, nature of the
profession for medical/health workers and their attitudes, ICTs, technical capacity and
capabilities required to support the electronic referral process in a hospital. Data was collected
through the use of questionnaires from the health workers (Doctors, Nurses, Clinical officers
etc), hospital administrators/management and the lCT staff in the hospitals. Interviews and
observation were also used on selected doctors, hospital administrators and lCT staff to
enhance objectivity.
The findings uncovered a range of issues, some of which are specifically related to ICT
infrastructure in the hospitals, attitudes of the health workers towards information technology
in the referral process, their professional and ethical considerations. Others were in regard to
management support in the hospitals and the level of ICT literacy in the hospitals from all
members of staff. It was evident that the benefits of the patients' e-referral are enormous.
The funding for the ICT infrastructure, the ICT literacy levels, health workers Attitudes and
hospital's management are some of the major challenges that the hospitals have to contend
with. Using the research findings, a framework was developed that, would help the hospitals
and the government to analyze the implementation process of the electronic referral system in
hospitals in a standardized approach in the exchange, management and integration of data that
supports clinical patient .care and the management, delivery and evaluation of healthcare
services, as stipulated by HL 7 mission statement of clinical interoperability. | en |
