FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF CENTRALIZED DATA HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT WITHIN NANDI COUNTY IN KENYA

Abstract

The centralization of health information systems aims at advancing a data- driven and responsive healthcare framework, enhancing healthcare delivery services and decision-making through transparency and accountability. This approach is particularly effective when complemented by the development of staff skills, which is essential in maintaining the efficiency of centralized data management. To achieve this, training programs must be designed to enhance the competencies of employees responsible for managing centralized healthcare data. In light of these considerations, this study aimed to determine the elements impacting execution of centralized data healthcare management within Nandi County, Kenya. The study focused on four specific objectives: to establish the influence of ICT attributes on the adoption of centralized data healthcare management, to establish the consequence of top management on the implementation process, to analyze the influence of staff skills on the implementation, and to analyze how operational costs affect the implementation of centralized data healthcare management. The study was anchored on two theories namely the Diffusion of Innovations Theory which elaborates how, why, and at what rate new ideas and technology spread through cultures; and the RBV Theory which posits that an organization’s competitive advantage lies in its unique resources and capabilities. With an 87.5% response rate, a descriptive survey design was employed targeting a population of 80 healthcare professionals within Nandi County. A simple random sampling was employed to determine the sample size, ensuring representation across different strata. Both primary and secondary data were gathered, with the primary data gathered through questionnaires. The reliability and validity of the instruments were tested using Cronbach’s alpha and expert opinion. The data were analyzed optimizing descriptive analysis, correlation analysis (Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient) to determine the strength of relationships between the attributes, and regression analysis to identify significant predictors relationship. The assessment discoveries of the assessment unveiled that ICT factors had the most substantial influence on the implementation of centralized data healthcare management, with a high level of agreement among respondents on the vital role of technological infrastructure such as Enterprise Resource Planning, Electronic Document management and Geographic Information System. Top management support was also identified as a significant factor, with effective leadership being crucial to the success of the implementation process. Staff skills and operational costs were also found to be important, with the investigation highlighting the need for continuous training programs and efficient cost management to ensure sustainable adoption. The model employed in the evaluation explained 69.08% of the variance in adoption outcomes, signifying a strong connection amid the identified elements and successful implementation. However, the assessment concludes that, there is need for a holistic approach encompassing robust ICT, strong leadership, skilled personnel, and prudent cost management in the successful implementation of centralized data healthcare management within Nandi County. The assessment recommended that counties across Kenya should prioritize the development of their ICT systems and invest in continuous staff training. Additionally, top vi management should remain actively involved in the implementation process, and operational costs should be carefully managed to sustain these initiatives. Also, it is recommended that policy makers should create frameworks that standardize and integrate ICT systems across healthcare institutions and to provide guidelines that support effective leadership involvement and resource allocation to enhance the effectiveness of a centralized data healthcare management systems.