Factors Influencing the Implementation of a Health Management Information System Among Healthcare Workers at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Healthcare organizations are investing heavily in Health Information Management Systems to improve healthcare services. Although the benefits of these innovations are undeniable, they come with a cost and require a thorough evaluation before adoption. Healthcare organizations often find the process of adopting innovations cumbersome, leading them to choose easier alternatives. This can result in setbacks and a decline in innovation output, sometimes causing a return to manual systems. The main objective of this study was to determine factors influencing the implementation of a Health Management Information System among healthcare workers at Kenyatta National Hospital. The study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital and adopted a cross-sectional design. The study population was healthcare workers at KNH who were involved in implementing HMIS. The study used a mixed sampling method of probability and non-probability:top-level management through purposive sampling, middle-level management through convenience sampling, and operational-level participants involved in HMIS implementation through stratified sampling. A total of 263 respondents were engaged in the quantitative study. The study utilized a questionnaire and a key informant interview guide. Associations between predictor and outcome variables were run through Correlational statistics. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed based on response themes and presented in verbatim form. Ethical approval was sought from KNH/UON Review Committee (KNH-ERC/A/41 P554/08/2018). Consent was sought from all respondents. Results indicated that out of 263 respondents, 133(50.6%) were males and 130(49.4%) were females. With regard to the age category, 160 (67.8%) of the respondents were aged between 36-45 years, while 6 (2.3%) were aged between 26-35 years. The Key study findings on organizational factors indicated that 211 (80.2%) had a positive perception that KNH uses HMIS in its day-to-day activities in delivering healthcare services and 30(11.4%) of the participants were uncertain while, 21(7.9%) had a negative perception on the concept. Of the 263 respondents, 184(69.9%) had a positive attitude, 25 (9.5%) were uncertain, and 50(19.0%) had a negative mindset that the ICT infrastructure was conducive to the growth and expansion of HMIS. On expertise, 87(33.1%) had a positive perception and 91(34.6%) of the participants were uncertain while, 83(31.6%) had a negative perception that the department had an adequate pool of highly HMIS-trained skilled labour. Based on the key results of the study, there was an effective and fair distribution of computers in the hospital demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with HMIS implementation (r = 0.4148, p < 0.01),significantly emphasizing the importance of equitable computer distribution in the successful implementation of HMIS. KNH has a current and up-to-date ICT infrastructure demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with HMIS has been fully implemented by the hospital (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), suggesting that advanced ICT infrastructures are significantly imperative towards HMIS implementation. Kenyatta National Hospita has progressed remarkably with HMIS, which is crucial in improving healthcare environments. The study concluded that HMIS is not just automation, but rather a means of augmentation and connection. This study recommended that KNH espouses a HMIS tailored to their clientele and spur on a system thinking approach among staff for sustained success.