FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF TELEMEDICINE IN KENYA A CASE OF THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Hospitals still faces challenges in implementation of telemedicine in some services for instance dermatology, cardiology, ophthalmology and surgery. The study hence sought to establish the factors influencing successful implementation of telemedicine in hospitals in Kenya taking Aga Khan Hospital as a case study. The study specifically investigated the influence of ICT infrastructure, staff capacity, resource availability and strategic planning on successful implementation of telemedicine in hospitals in Kenya. This study was built on the underpinning theories, including the Theory of Planning, The McKinsey’s 7S Framework, the Novelty, Complexity, Technology and Pace ``Diamond’’ Theory and the resource based view. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population was senior administrators, nurses, medical doctors and patients at Aga Khan University Hospital in Parklands, who made up 113. Stratified sampling was used to sample 96 respondents. The study used quantitative primary data gathered by use of closed ended questions. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software was used for analysis. SPSS was used to produce frequencies, descriptive and inferential statistics which was used to derive conclusions and generalizations regarding the population. Data was presented using charts. A multiple linear regression model was used to test the significance of the factors influencing successful implementation of telemedicine in hospitals in Kenya. All statistical tests were conducted at 5% level of significance. The result for correlation and regression analysis showed that there existed a positive and significant relationship between ICT infrastructure, staff capacity, resources availability and strategic planning and successful implementation of telemedicine at Aga Khan University Hospital. The study concluded that hospitals that intend to implement telemedicine should take into account ICT infrastructure, their staff capacity and amount of resources available. The study also recommended that any hospitals that intended to implement telemedicine services should invest in ICT infrastructure and in staff capacity to ensure successful implementation of the program. The study further recommended that hospitals should have sufficient resources if they are to be successful in telemedicine implementation.