Implementation of hospital management information systems on service delivery: a case of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Abstract

Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS) has the potential of improving the quality of services delivered as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare providers through integration of various hospital functional units. However, the benefits of this implementation in service delivery have not been adequately addressed. This study sought to appraise the impact of implementation of Hospital Management Information Systems, on service delivery in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, (MTRH). The objectives of the study were: To examine the level of implementation of Hospital Management Information Systems in MTRH, to establish the strategies motivating implementation and utilization of Hospital Management Information Systems, to assess benefits that have been realized in utilizing Hospital Management Information Systems, and to assess the effect of HMIS on service delivery in MTRH. Cross sectional descriptive research design was utilized in the study where sample size formula proposed by Cooper and Schildler formula was used to obtain 240 respondents from a target population of 587 users of HMIS. The researcher employed stratified sampling technique. A structured closed end questionnaire was administered for data collection, as well as interviews. Quantitative data was obtained, coded and entered into the computer using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 software for analysis. A pilot testing was carried out at Rift Valley Hospital, Nakuru. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, i.e. mean and standard deviations and inferential statistics i.e. Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and 192 were filled and returned, a response rate of 80%. With respect to familiarity with Hospital Management Information System results indicated that majority of the respondents 37.8% were familiar with the system. For the extent of implementation on the modules the Hospital Records module had the highest implementation level mean (4.0) with a while consulting doctor module posted the lowest mean (2.1). On the level of utilization of HMIS result indicates that the mean values were above average on a five point Likert scale. Further records module had the highest utilization level, mean (3.8) while consulting doctor module posted the lowest utilization level mean (2.0). On the strategies motivating the utilization of HMIS results indicate that the presence of information strategy is the leading motivator of utilization of HMIS mean (3.73). Results indicated that the anticipated benefits of HMIS were all in above the average. The results of the regression analysis suggested that HMIS implementation (β= .215, p˂0.05), HMIS utilization (β= ..697, p˂0.05), motivation strategy (β= .193, p˂0.05), and HMIS benefits (β= .045, p˂0.05) had a positive significant effect on Service Delivery, therefore the null hypothesis is rejected. The value of the F-statistic is (F=172.917, p˂0.05) is robust to indicate the variable relationships. The coefficient of determination value of R2= .787 means that 78.7% of the variation in service delivery at the hospital can be explained by HMIS. The study recommends that a policy be drafted to entrench HMIS implementation and utilization in the Country.