Factors influencing implementation of health management information systems in government health care facilities in Kenya: the case of Kibwezi health care facilities Makueni county

Abstract

Health Management Information system is a system designed to integrate data collection, processing, reporting, and use for the improvement of patient health services, effectiveness and efficiency through better management of patient data at all levels of implementation. The main objective of the study was to assess the factors influencing implementation of health management information systems in government health care facilities in Kenya, a case of Kibwezi district health care facilities Makueni County. The study specifically aimed to; assess how Planning, Stakeholders, technology, human capacity development and to find out how finance influences the implementation of health management information systems in government health care facilities. The study adopted a descriptive case study research design and the study population consisted of 200 heath care workers at Kibwezi Health Care Facilities. The study specifically targeted 30 doctors and clinical officers, 150 nurses and 20 IT staff since they are the one involved in the implementation of health management information systems. The study adopted a probability sample design by applying a stratified random sampling technique to select a sample size of 100 respondents. Questionnaires were used as the major data collection instruments. Descriptive statistics data analysis method was applied to analyze the gathered data using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) that was used to compute response frequencies, percentages and mean, standard deviation and variance results. The obtained findings were presented using tables, pie charts and bar charts. Further, inferential statistics using correlation analysis was used to determine,~lie/relationship between research variables. The study found out that planning was major facttr :ehat greatly influenced eifective implementation of health management information systems in government health care facilities. lack of stakeholders support hindered allocation of enough financial resources for strengthening effective implementation of HMIS. The study drew conclusions that poor and lack of implementation of HMIS in many government health care facilities in Kenya is greatly influenced by poor planning and strategizin~, lack of stakeholders support, lack of embracement of ICT, lack of human capacity development in ICT and health management and inadequate financial resources. The study recommended that; the management of government health care facilities should undertake effective planning and strategizing by drafting and implementing effective strategic plans; the top management in the government health care facilitates should employ effective leadership styles and demonstrate a high level of engagement in the HMIS implementation process; heath care facilities should implement effective ICT infrastructure to support automation of heath recording function; government health care facilities should recruit competent workforce and implement continuous human resource capacity development programs such as training workshops, seminars and career development opportunities. Finally the government through the ministry of health should allocate adequate funds for financing HMIS implementation process