Mobile Healthcare Technologies and Accessibility of Healthcare Services in Kenya: A Case of Aga Khan University Hospital.
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Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Business and Economics
Abstract
Healthcare accessibility in Kenya faces strategic challenges related to implementation of universal healthcare services (UHC) which is part of the social pillar of Vision 2030. Accessibility to healthcare services in Kenya remains limited due to challenges in availability, affordability, ease of use, and frequency of service delivery. Mobile healthcare (mHealth) applications have been introduced as strategic digital solutions aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility by overcoming these barriers. However, the effect of these applications on healthcare accessibility has not been adequately explored in the Kenyan context. This study investigated the effect of mobile healthcare technologies on healthcare accessibility in Nairobi City County Kenya, focusing on selected mHealth apps used within Aga Khan Hospital. The objectives were to identify the extent of use of mobile healthcare technologies to access healthcare services within Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenya, assess levels of healthcare accessibility in Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenya using mHealth apps and establish the effect of mobile healthcare technologies on accessibility of healthcare services in Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenya. The study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model and Technology Organization Environment Model and employed a descriptive research design. The target population included staff, outpatients, inpatients, and visitors at Aga Khan University Hospital, with a sample size of 212 participants. Data was collected through questionnaires, including both quantitative and qualitative elements. The study revealed that mHealth apps are utilized for healthcare access at Aga Khan University Hospital. Trend analysis indicates a growing reliance on these apps for healthcare management, highlighting their expanding role in modern healthcare practices and their positive impact on accessibility within the study population. There was a significant positive association (r = 0.321) between use of My NHIF platform and accessibility to healthcare services. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.354) between accessibility of M-Tiba app to healthcare services. A positive relationship (r = 0.305) was observed between accessibility of AKUH mobile app to healthcare services and a positive relationship (r = 0.299) was observed between accessibility of My Dawa app to healthcare services. The study recommends that mHealth providers and health governing bodies promote the continued adoption of mHealth technologies. To enhance accessibility, mHealth apps should feature intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, multilingual support, and address challenges such as digital literacy and data security. Additionally, policies and strategies should be developed to encourage innovations in healthcare, alongside comprehensive training and targeted awareness campaigns to maximize the impact of these technologies in Nairobi City County. The study underscores the strategic importance of mHealth applications in Kenya’s healthcare sector, contributing to the realization of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and aligning with the strategic goals of Kenya Vision 2030. It recommends integrating mHealth applications into the national healthcare strategy, promoting digital literacy, and leveraging user behaviour insights to enhance the sustainability and accessibility of healthcare services.
Description
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Strategic Management
Keywords
Healthcare, Strategic challenges, Universal healthcare services (UHC), Vision 2030
Citation
Kiiru, J. (2024). Mobile Healthcare Technologies and Accessibility of Healthcare Services in Kenya: A Case of Aga Khan University Hospital. Daystar University, School of Business and Economics