Effect of Digital Technology as a Strategy on Child Mortality in Public Health Facilities in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: A strategic plan provides an organization, business or government with a clear roadmap that is requires to pursue and succeed in a specific and focused direction. It allows for setting of performance goals, a means of follow up and evaluation to determine if the desired outcomes are being achieved. Implementation or execution of a strategic plan is by far the most difficult and laborious part of strategic management. It requires a clear focus and willingness and goodwill by management to be able to meet the set objectives. In government and specifically the Ministry of Health, strategic management comes forth as a panacea to be able to bring about positive change, structured systems and high performing personnel and organization as a whole. It forms part of ongoing reforms within the public sector aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery. Objectives: This study looked to determine the effect of digital technology strategy on child mortality in public health facilities in Kilifi County. Methods: A case study design was employed. The target populace comprised of the 143 public health facilities within Kilifi county. The respondents were the persons in charge of maternity facilities within the institutions. A semi-structured form of questionnaire was used to obtain primary data. The response rate was 65.3% based on 17 respondents. Determinants discussed in this study looked at issues to do with knowledge on digital technology as a strategy, information awareness, ability to apply and use digital tools, resource availability as well as evaluation of outcomes. Results: The health care workers in facilities visited seem to have had some knowledge on existence of digital health tools available on smart and feature phones. They also emphasized on the need for inculcation of digital technology strategy to enhance outcomes related to child mortality mitigation. Conclusions: This study was able to establish that digital technology strategy if properly harnessed can allow organizations to quickly establish focused approaches to meeting desired targets and goals and enhance productivity towards achieving desired outcomes. From the analysis undertaken it was clear that there is a strong relationship between awareness on digital tools and their use in an environment. Enforcement and routine follow up on use is key in ensuring proper knowledge followed by consistent use and evaluation . There is a great need for government to sensitize health workers and the whole population within the county through various fora on the presence, availability and usage of health tools so as to be able significantly drive up the possibility of having better outcomes in health. Health care staff need to be properly trained in the use of these tools. Resources and funding need to be availed in good measure to ensure continuous usage of the tools.