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Masters Thesis | Health Sciences | Kenya | Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2024 | Popularity: 5.4 / 10

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Technological Factors Influencing Utilization of Disease Classification Systems in Public Hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya

Duncan Mutongu Maina

Abstract: The objective of this research is to examine the technological factors influencing the adoption of international disease classification systems in public health hospitals within Kiambu County. The study was carried out in Kiambu County, Kenya, focusing on public hospitals. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed, targeting healthcare providers as the primary population. The sample was selected through a combination of purposive sampling and complete census methods, encompassing all 119 Health Records and Information Officers in public hospitals across Kiambu County. Data collection utilized self-administered questionnaires and key informant interviews, facilitated by two research assistants. Data entry and analysis were conducted using SPSS version 22, incorporating both descriptive (frequencies, means, percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson chi-square with degrees of freedom), with a significance level set at 5%. Out of the 119 targeted respondents, 112 participated, resulting in a response rate of 94%. To address non-response bias, an attrition rate of 10% was applied to achieve balanced results. The findings revealed that the majority (72%) of the surveyed health facilities employed manual systems, with less than one computer per staff in 86% of the facilities. This distribution is typical in government-managed or public health facility settings. Clinical coding practices varied across facilities based on their respective layouts. The study identified inadequate technological infrastructure, including software and technology management policies, as obstacles to the effective utilization of disease classification systems (DCS). Statistical analysis provided sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis, indicating a significant association between technological factors and DCS utilization. The research highlights the limited adoption of technology and the scarcity of IT resources in the implementation of DCSs. Based on the findings, the study proposes several recommendations: 1) The County Health Management Team (CHMT) and Sub-CHMT should encourage the multifaceted utilization of DCSs at the facility level to enhance staff perception. 2) Health Records and Information Officers (HRIOs) should emphasize the importance of DCS technology in health facilities to promote its utilization. 3) The Ministry of Health (MOH) should allocate additional resources for health, including DCS, at both national and county levels to enhance adoption and implementation.

Keywords: Disease classification systems, technology adoption, public health hospitals, Kiambu County Kenya, health information management

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2024

Pages: 1185 - 1187

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24409214414

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