The Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the efficiency of healthcare delivery at Radiology department of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital.
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Date
2017
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Abstract
Healthcare service provision is undoubtedly a major priority for any governmental policy makers and society at large. Access to quality health care is declared a basic human right globally, yet there are many factors that still make it hard for countries to make this a reality. Issues such as shortage of skilled healthcare workers, high costs of healthcare provision and poor economic outlooks are some of the major contributors to gaps in provision of equitable healthcare services. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of our daily life. The study aimed to investigate the role that ICT can play in improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery processes and spreading access to communities that are left behind in the provision of this basic human need. A quantitative methodology was used to evaluate the perception of professionals with regards to the adoption of ICT and its impact on healthcare services delivery at the radiology department. The target population was made up of administrators, radiographers and radiologists at the radiology department of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Data was collected through questionnaires which were physically administered on site. A convenience sampling technique was used to identify and recruit study participants. The results revealed that 70% of respondents agree that ICT adoption does indeed increase efficiency of healthcare service delivery. The study did not find significant relationship between users’ attitude towards ICT adoption and the ability of ICT to improve efficiency in a healthcare facility. It is recommended that healthcare facilities adopting ICT should invest more time and resources in training and offering technical support to end users. The study can benefit healthcare facilities who seek to improve the quality, speed, accuracy of healthcare services by using ICT systems.
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Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.