Ghana Graduates Conference

Transforming Health Care Delivery through Information Technology in Ghana: An Assessment

Purpose

The main objectives of this study is to explore the multidimensional and interdependent nature of ICT infrastructure, database management systems, application and a user support system which are the primary modules of the Nationwide ICT Deployment of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study is informed by a need to evaluate the impact of information technology and its application to health care service delivery. This paper considers ICT implementation and adoption within the NHIS as a contemporary set of events or phenomenon for which an investigation is sought using the case study method. For this reason this paper adopts the information system success model proposed by Delone and McLean revised edition of 2003 in evaluating the overall net benefits of an information system development in the case of the nation-wide integrated ICT system of the NHIS.

Findings/Results/Observations

The deployment of information technology most certainly improved data collection, storage, analysis and use and more importantly improved the flow of information among decision and policy makers, managers, system users, care givers and care receivers.

Research implications

There is wide scale use and acceptance as this has transformed how work is done at the Regional and district level. This level of development will undoubtedly serve as a blue print for other future large scale information system deployment.

Practical and Policy implications

Through the analysis of the research findings and the literature review, this study has provided a wider understanding integrating information technology in health service delivery, challenges of such large scale integration and causes of identified problems.

Three Learning Points for Ghana and Africa

The policy suggested here is to use the health sector as a ‘development vehicle’ to boost development of the general ICT infrastructure. The health sector is well suited in this respect. This is because:

• The health sector extends to the most peripheral levels of the society,
• Effective use of information is crucial to health service delivery and health management,

It is necessary to ensure that information systems are designed, developed and deployed in a flexible manner to ensure there is room for shifting priorities in health policy and planning.

Keywords: Ghana, HIS, Information Technology, Health Care Service Delivery

Mike is an Information Systems (IS) management professional with over 7 years analyzing, designing, consulting, deploying and project managing information systems development and application. Skilled in information systems management, analysis, troubleshooting, testing, documentation, internal control procedures, system and program security, systems analysis, applications and program management, technical support, and network administration.

A graduate with distinction in Information Technology & Programming from the Institute of Management Information Systems (IMIS) – UK, a first class graduate Management & in Psychology  from the University of Ghana and currently completing dissertation for the Award of MBA (Management Information Systems) option from the University of Ghana – Legon.