Adoption of Paperless Communication in Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Insights from Marsabit County Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the adoption of paperless communication as an eco-friendly practice for promoting environmental sustainability at Marsabit County Teaching and Referral Hospital (MCTRH), Kenya. The study is guided by the Green Information Technology (Green IT)

Theory, which emphasizes sustainable ICT practices across their life cycle to promote eco- friendly digital records management and environmental sustainability. A descriptive survey

design was employed, targeting hospital staff. Structured questionnaires were administered to 117 respondents, supplemented with key informant interviews picked using stratified random and purposive sampling, respectively, that ensured representation across departments. Validity of the instruments was established through expert review, while reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.7. Ethical approval was granted, and informed consent was obtained from participants. Out of the 117 targeted respondents, 114 returned completed questionnaires, yielding a 97% response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations), while qualitative insights were thematically analyzed. The results show that respondents strongly acknowledged the role of paperless communication in reducing paper usage, streamlining workflows, and enhancing accessibility. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited ICT infrastructure, inadequate digital literacy, and unstable internet connectivity were identified as barriers to effective adoption. These findings corroborate recent studies highlighting that digital tools reduce environmental footprints while improving operational efficiency. The study concludes that paperless communication holds significant potential for advancing environmental sustainability at MCTRH but requires deliberate support. It recommends the hospital administration to prioritize ICT infrastructure investments, institutionalize policies on paperless communication, and provide regular staff training. Such efforts would enhance both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability outcomes.