Abstract:
This study investigates the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools on the quality of healthcare delivery at Jimma University Medical Center (JMC), the only teaching and referral hospital in southwest Ethiopia. Established in 1930, JMC serves a catchment population of over 15 million and operates with an 800-bed capacity. The purpose of this study is to offer evidence-based suggestions for optimizing JMC's use of ICT, with wider ramifications for enhancing healthcare delivery in comparable settings. The adoption of ICT tools, such as electronic health records (EHRs), Laboratory Information System, and health information exchange systems, has the potential to transform healthcare services by improving access, enhancing patient outcomes, and optimizing operational efficiency. The study tackles important issues about how ICT tools are currently used, how healthcare professionals view them, and how they affect patient outcomes including satisfaction and clinical effectiveness. To evaluate the current ICT infrastructure and pinpoint implementation obstacles, a mixed-methods approach is used, combining quantitative and qualitative data from patients, healthcare professionals, and administrative staff. The results suggest that although ICT technologies have demonstrated potential in improving the quality of healthcare, obstacles including a lack of technical know-how, infrastructure problems, and change aversion prevent them from reaching their full potential. The study provides valuable insights into ICT's role in healthcare, guiding operational strategies and policy decisions to improve patient care and system efficiency. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing training and support for healthcare professionals to effectively utilize ICT tools in healthcare delivery, focusing on user-friendliness, accessibility, secure communication, privacy, and security.
