Thesis:

Integrated health care information systems in health service delivery tenets in Kenyatta National hospital Kenya

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), only 58% of countries worldwide have a national Electronic Health Record should start with capital letters since this is a proper noun (EHR) system in place, and even fewer have fully integrated health information systems across multiple care providers, which affects coordination and quality of care.. In Kenya, healthcare spending accounts for 4.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country has made significant strides in healthcare digitization, with 79% of public hospitals offering Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). However, challenges persist, such as insufficient staff training, with 73% of District Health Information Software(DHIS) staff lacking proper training, and critical gaps in Kenya's Health Management Information System, including 47% staffing levels and 34% storage capacity. As the biggest referral hospital in Kenya, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) struggles with disjointed digital systems, which raises operating expenses and causes inefficiencies. The impact of healthcare technology, sociodemographic traits, information system security, and electronic medical health records systems on the provision of medical care services in KNH, Kenya, was investigated in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a descriptive cross-sectional methodology. The research investigation was carried out at KNH, Kenya. A sample of 218 participants was chosen from the study's target population of 480 respondents. Qualitative data was gathered using Key informant interviews, while quantitative data was gathered using a structured questionnaire. The target population for this investigation was Kenyatta National Hospital staff. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The data was examined using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression. Qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo, and Thematic content analysis was done to identify dominant themes. To ensure ethical consideration, the researcher obtained approvals from relevant authorities. Also secured informed consent from participants. A higher probability of better service delivery was associated with the following factors: the use of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) (OR=1.518,95% CI [1.016,2.266], p=0.042), the adoption of tele healthcare technology (OR=1.302,95% CI [1.126,1.832], p=0.029), and the implementation of efficient patient administration records systems (OR=1.831,95% CI [1.265,2.652], p=0.001). Expected benefits from the investigation are to the public hospitals, hospital managers, since it stipulates the recommendations, and scholars since it forms a basis for further studies. The investigation concluded that integrated healthcare information systems have a momentous influence on healthcare service delivery tenets in KNH. The study recommended that KNH should invest in continuous training for healthcare providers to ensure uniform usage across departments. KNH should continue to invest in tailored training programs that consider the varying education levels, experience, and professional backgrounds of staff. KNH should strengthen its data protection policies and ensure that all healthcare providers are trained in maintaining data privacy. The hospital should continue integrating advanced healthcare technologies such as mobile health, telemedicine, and cloud computing.