Utilization of Information Technology in Healthcare Administration

Introduction

Information technology (IT) is growing at a quick pace worldwide, but in Nigeria, only 25% of students and healthcare workers in Ile-Ife have sufficient IT knowledge and skills, which could impede the provision of healthcare (Bello et al., 2004). Inadequate IT knowledge on the part of healthcare workers can result in inefficiencies in the provision of care, which can affect the effectiveness and affordability of services. Enhancing the use of information technology (IT) in Nigeria to improve healthcare delivery to close the IT proficiency gap and improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria, comprehensive IT training programs should be put in place for students and healthcare professionals. Bello et al. (2004) conducted research that indicates a notable lack of IT understanding and utilization among Nigerian students and healthcare professionals. Since they lack the requisite IT skills, focused training programs are crucial, as proven by the effective projects described by Bardhan et al. (2013a) and Vest et al. (2012).

Literature Review

Introduction to Literature Review

Information technology use by students and healthcare professionals is a serious problem, particularly in underdeveloped nations like Nigeria's Ile-Ife (Bello et al., 2004). There is a need to address the issue of students and healthcare workers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria having insufficient understanding of and use of information technology. The population that the university teaching institution in the area serves will eventually have improved health outcomes if this issue is resolved since it will improve patient care, and healthcare delivery, and stay up with technological improvements. The examination of the literature turned up several variables that affect the understanding and use of information technology in the healthcare sector, including institutional support, training programs, infrastructure availability, and levels of technological literacy. ProQuest and EBSCO Host were the databases used in this literature study, which were accessed via the Monroe College Library's facilities. Terms like information technology application, information technology knowledge, medical professionals, medical students, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and university teaching hospitals were used in the search to locate pertinent research publications.

Review of Literature

IT Integration in Healthcare: Disparity and Implications at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Bello et al.'s (2004) study investigated the use and understanding of information technology (IT) with a focus on a university teaching hospital, among students and healthcare workers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. In a university teaching hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, the researchers set out to find out how much healthcare personnel and students knew about and used information technology (IT). They aimed to comprehend the degree of IT integration into healthcare practices. The research employed a quantitative methodology. To obtain information from medical personnel and students at the university teaching hospital, the researchers created a questionnaire. It is possible that the questionnaire asked questions about the participants' demographics, IT proficiency, use of IT in healthcare duties, and opinions on IT integration in healthcare procedures. In the university teaching hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, the researchers discovered that there was a notable disparity in the knowledge and application of information technology between medical professionals and students. Even though IT is becoming more and more important in healthcare, many participants lacked the necessary knowledge and abilities to use IT tools for jobs related to healthcare. This implies that to improve IT literacy and integration into healthcare practices in the area, focused interventions and training programs are required. To enhance patient care and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, the study emphasizes how critical it is to remove obstacles to IT adoption in healthcare settings (Bello et al., 2004).

Impact of Health Information Technology (HIT) on Healthcare Delivery: Insights from India

           Similar observations were reported in a research project carried out by Bardhan et al. (2013), utilizing data and research from many global sources in 2013. This research was carried out by the researchers to investigate how Health Information Technology (HIT) affects the cost and quality of healthcare delivery. Their goal was probably to comprehend the possible advantages and disadvantages of deploying HIT technologies in healthcare environments. Since the study is a review of the literature, the researchers gathered and examined previous studies and writings about health information technology and how it affects the cost and quality of healthcare. They reviewed and synthesized the results of numerous investigations, both qualitative and quantitative, using a methodical methodology before drawing any conclusions. The researchers discovered a variety of results about how health information technology affects the cost and quality of healthcare. Improvements in patient care coordination, medical record accuracy, healthcare delivery efficiency, and possible cost savings through fewer errors and service duplications are a few examples of specific findings. They might have also noted difficulties including the initial costs of implementation, problems with interoperability, and possible privacy issues related to HIT systems. The research shed light on the benefits and ramifications of incorporating HIT into healthcare delivery networks (Bardhan et al., 2013).

Governance Impact on IT Usage in Healthcare: Lessons from US Organizations

          In contrast to earlier research, a study on local health departments (LHDs) in the United States was carried out in 2012 by Vest et al, (2012). The research was to find out how governance affects how local health departments use technology and information systems. They specifically aimed to comprehend how these departments' governance structures affect the uptake, use, and use of technology and information systems. This required gathering and analyzing previous studies, articles, and other pertinent materials on the subject of governance and how it affects the use of technology and information systems in regional health departments. The researchers searched academic databases, official government publications, and pertinent organizational papers. The results of the study demonstrate how important governance is in promoting the adoption and application of technology and information systems in local health departments (LHDs). Reputable governance frameworks have been recognized as essential elements that support the improved assimilation of these systems into corporate procedures and decision-making. Systems like organizational culture, strategic planning, leadership support, and resource distribution were shown to be important factors affecting how LHDs use technology and information systems. The study also underlined how important it is to promote cooperation and partnerships between LHDs and outside parties, such as state health agencies, to enable the effective adoption of technology and information systems. These results highlight how crucial strong governance frameworks are when utilizing technology to boost organizational efficacy and improve public health outcomes in local health departments. The research emphasizes how crucial governance is in determining how municipal health departments use technology, and it offers insights that can help administrators, legislators, and other stakeholders maximize the use of technology and information systems in these organizations (Vest et al., 2012).

Analysis of Literature

Even though all of the studies by Bello et al. (2004), Bardhan et al. (2013a), and Vest et al. (2012) look at IT use in healthcare settings, they each do so in various healthcare environments (urban, and rural), and in distinct geographic locations (Nigeria, India, and the United States). Notwithstanding the differences in context, the goal of every study is to comprehend how the adoption of IT affects healthcare delivery and results. To achieve this, specific interventions and efficient implementation techniques are crucial to optimize the advantages of IT in a range of healthcare contexts. The three studies all look at how IT is used in medical settings and how that affects patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. In their particular circumstances, each study aims to comprehend the possible advantages of IT adoption in enhancing healthcare access, effectiveness, and efficiency. They are all aware of how critical IT integration is to contemporary healthcare systems and how it can improve both operational efficiency and patient care. While Bardhan et al. (2013a) investigated urban and rural healthcare environments in India, Vest et al. (2012) looked at diverse healthcare organizations across the United States, and Bello et al. (2004) concentrated on Lagos, Nigeria. This variation in geographic scope makes it possible to gain insights into the various opportunities and problems related to the adoption of IT in various geographic locations. Bello et al. (2004) and Bardhan et al. (2013a) use mixed-method techniques that combine qualitative and quantitative methods. While Vest et al. (2012) used quantitative secondary data analysis, a thorough grasp of IT utilization and its effects from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives is made possible by this methodological distinction. Bello, J. (2004) found that resource and infrastructural restrictions were causing problems for the adoption of IT in health care institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. This emphasizes how important it is to implement focused interventions to boost IT usage and eventually improve patient outcomes and treatment in the area. Similarly, differences in IT adoption among urban and rural healthcare environments in India were noted by Bardhan et al. (2013a), who emphasized the potential of successful IT implementation to close the gap between urban and rural areas and improve healthcare quality and access. Vest et al. (2012), on the other hand, discovered a positive correlation between the adoption of IT and the quality and efficiency of healthcare in the United States. This finding highlights the significance of strategic IT investments as well as effective methods of implementation in attaining enhancements in clinical results, safety for patients, and operational effectiveness. The investigation of technological (IT) usage in healthcare settings and its effects on the delivery of healthcare and outcomes is a shared interest among the three studies.

Discussion

Introduction to Discussion

Healthcare workers and pupils, especially those in resource-constrained locations like Ile-Ife, Nigeria, lack sufficient expertise and experience with information technology (IT) (Bello et al., 2004). This lack of IT expertise may make it more difficult for health information technology, or HIT, to be adopted and implemented successfully, which could influence the cost and quality of the delivery of healthcare (Bardhan et al., 2013a). Problems with local health departments' governance may make the problems related to IT and technology use in healthcare settings even worse (Vest et al., 2012). The case study carried out in a university instructional hospital (Bello et al., 2004) emphasizes the issue of healthcare personnel' and students' limited awareness of and use of information technology in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Other resource-constrained areas of the world, where the availability of IT infrastructure and educational opportunities is restricted, can face comparable difficulties. Numerous demographics are impacted by the issue of healthcare professionals' and students' inadequate use of and knowledge of information technology. To manage patient records, utilize medical resources, and work with colleagues, healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, chemists, and other practitioners—need to be proficient in information technology (IT) (Bello et al., 2004). A lack of IT skills makes it difficult for students in the medical, the field of nursing, and allied health disciplines to adjust to contemporary healthcare systems, which may affect their future careers (Bello et al., 2004). Patients also bear the repercussions of restricted acceptance of health information technology, which can lead to poor results and increased costs due to potential declines in both the cost and the quality of healthcare delivery (Bardhan et al., 2013a). Local health departments are also impacted because their capacity to efficiently gather, handle, and use health data for public health objectives is impeded by governance concerns related to information systems and technology usage inside these organizations (Vest et al., 2012).  

Evidence-Based Recommendations

Recommendations from Literature Review

Comprehensive insights and recommendations on utilizing information technology (IT) in healthcare settings (Bello et al.,2004; Bardhan et al.,2013a; Vest et al.,2012). The aforementioned research underscores the significance of integrating IT to improve patient outcomes, organizational efficiency, and healthcare delivery. To improve healthcare personnel' and students' IT understanding and utilization, Bello et al. (2004) recommend focused training programs and infrastructure development, especially in resource-constrained locations like Ile-Ife, Nigeria. They stress the significance of equipping healthcare professionals with the know-how and tools they need to successfully incorporate technology into the provision of healthcare. The revolutionary potential of health information technology (HIT) to enhance the effectiveness and quality of healthcare services is highlighted by Bardhan et al. (2013a). To promote evidence-based practice and optimize processes, they advise implementing HIT solutions such as clinical decision support systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and telemedicine. Also, Vest et al. (2012) emphasized the critical role that governance frameworks play in facilitating the effective adoption and use of IT in local health departments (LHDs). They emphasize that to get over obstacles and guarantee the efficient implementation of information systems and technologies, effective management, strategic planning, and stakeholder involvement are essential.

Program Recommendation

 As research suggested enhancing the use of information technology (IT) in healthcare environments, in areas with limited resources. First off, Bello et al. (2004) stress the value of focused training initiatives to improve students' and healthcare professionals' IT literacy. Healthcare staff can be equipped to use technology in the treatment of patients, record keeping, and making choices by putting in place extensive IT training programs that are suited to their needs and skill levels. Evidence indicating that training programs greatly increase IT adoption and competence among healthcare providers, thereby enhancing the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, lends weight to this statement (Bello et al., 2004). Toto improve healthcare quality and cost-effectiveness, Bardhan et al. (2013a) support the use of health information technology (HIT) solutions including electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine. Healthcare institutions can improve outcomes for patients through improved care coordination and support for clinical decisions, expedite data management procedures, and enable information interchange between providers by putting EHR systems into place. Conversely, telemedicine facilitates distant access to medical services, in underprivileged and rural regions, boosting access to treatment and decreasing disparities in healthcare. It has been demonstrated that implementing HIT solutions can improve safety for patients, and care quality, and save costs. This is in line with worldwide trends towards digital change in the healthcare industry (Bardhan et al., 2013a).

Leaders should place a high priority on investing in IT infrastructure, human resources, and training programs to successfully implement the strategies of improving IT literacy among healthcare workers and adopting HIT solutions (Bello et al., 2004). This means ensuring that healthcare personnel receive thorough training to maximize their use of technological advances, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine platforms as well as allocating adequate funding and resources for their acquisition (Bardhan et al., 2013a). According to Vest et al. (2012), implementing organizational change and cultivating an innovative and continuous improvement culture requires strong leadership and strategic planning. It is recommended that leaders involve stakeholders from many sectors of the healthcare ecosystem, such as government agencies, IT vendors, and community organizations, to foster collaboration and ensure the effective implementation and long-term viability of IT efforts in healthcare environments.

The current issue of insufficient IT utilization in healthcare settings, especially among impoverished populations, will be significantly improved by putting the suggested tactics of raising IT literacy among healthcare personnel and embracing HIT solutions into practice. Healthcare personnel will be better able to use technology in patient care, keeping records, and decision-making processes if they have increased IT literacy (Bello et al., 2004). This will ultimately enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. Electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine platforms are examples of HIT solutions that can be adopted to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, especially in underserved and remote areas. This will improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations and reduce healthcare disparities (Bardhan et al., 2013a). Using technology to improve data-driven decision-making and expedite procedures can optimize resources and save costs, assuring the long-term viability of healthcare delivery (Vest et al., 2012). These tactics have the power to change the way healthcare is provided, advance health fairness, and cater to the particular requirements of marginalized communities, all of which are in line with the international objectives of attaining universal health coverage and minimizing health disparities.

Conclusion

Concerning deficiency of IT knowledge and utilization among Nigerian healthcare professionals and students, underscoring the pressing need for targeted training initiatives. Enhancing IT skills has the potential to greatly improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria, as demonstrated by the successful initiatives of Bello et al. (2004), Bardhan et al. (2013a), and Vest et al. (2012). Thus, focused initiatives to overcome this IT skill gap are essential to raising the nation's healthcare standards. Improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria requires addressing the disparity in IT skills between students and healthcare workers. Customized training programs can give them the necessary tools, enhancing the effectiveness and quality of services and eventually improving the health results for the populace. Healthcare professionals who lack sufficient IT expertise may provide care inefficiently, which could affect the quality and cost of care. Bello et al. (2004) have noted that the low IT competency amongst Nigerian students and healthcare providers poses a possible obstacle to healthcare delivery in Nigeria, even with the tremendous global growth of information technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Bardhan, I. R., & Thouin, M. F. (2013a). Health Information Technology and its impact on the quality and cost of healthcare delivery. Decision Support Systems, 55(2), 438–449.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2012.10.003

Bello, I. S., Arogundade, F. A., Sanusi, A. A., Ezeoma, I. T., Abioye-Kuteyi, E. A., & Akinsola, A. (2004). Knowledge and utilization of information technology among health care professionals and students in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: A case study of a university teaching hospital. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6(4).  https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6.4.e45

Vest, J. R., Menachemi, N., & Ford, E. W. (2012). Governance’s role in Local Health Departments’ Information System and technology usage. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 18(2), 160–168. https://doi.org/10.1097/phh.0b013e318226c9ef