Implementing a Health Information System at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in Ghana. End User Perspective.

Abstract

Health can be improved by information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries. Electronic health systems coordinate patient care processes in different departments within the same facility to enhance efficient delivery of care. However, health sectors in developing countries are unable to implement modern health care technologies due to challenges which negatively impact their adoption of ICT. The refurbishment of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) in Ghana has resulted in the first phase of an ultra-modern building and the procurement of a comprehensive health information system (HIS) known as Health Pro. The shakedown phase of the implementation of the Health Pro is crucial to its overall success. Thus, the acceptance of the Health Pro by the end users in this phase will play a vital role in its adoption into routine practices at the health facility. Challenges to the use of the Health Pro could negatively impact its acceptance and adoption which will then affect its successful implementation. The study aims to assess the challenges to the implementation of the Heath Pro in several departments as perceived by the health professionals. Interpretive research, specifically a case study was the research method used in this study. Health professionals at GARH were interviewed to provide the data for the study in addition to observations, photography and informal discussions. The top-down approach was used by the management of the health facility to implement the Health Pro. The involvement of the health professionals, the targeted users of the health information system was minimal at best. The health professionals at the frontline of the delivery of health care felt alienated in the design and development of the Health Pro. User perceptions prior to the use of a technology influence experiences and later, these experiences gained from using the technology influence the perception of it. Challenges to the implementation of the Health Pro include; unplanned and inadequate training of the health professionals, lack of communication regarding the Health Pro, delay in work processes and an incomplete implementation process. Addressing the challenges to the implementation process could enhance successful implementation of Health Pro. Nonetheless, the effect of Health Pro on work processes at the health facility cannot be fully assessed until it is fully implemented. Proper maintenance of the Health Pro after it is fully implemented will ensure its sustained implementation.