INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF REFERRAL HOSPITALS IN KENYA

Abstract

The public health sector is essential to the status and stability of national and regional economies by providing quality and universal health services. However, there is limited consensus on how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability influence the performance of healthcare facilities. The study sought to determine the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability and organizational performance of referral hospitals in Kenya. This study used a descriptive research design. The unit of analysis comprised of referral hospitals in Kenya both national and county. The unit of observation was 159 individuals that comprised of 47 County referral hospitals’ CEOs/Chief administrators, 47 County referral hospitals’ Medical/clinical services in charge, 47 County referral hospitals’ nursing in charge, 6 national referral hospitals’ CEOs/Chief administrators, 6 national referral hospitals’ Medical/clinical services in charge and 6 national referral hospitals’ Nursing in Charge. Since the target population of the study was small, the study conducted a census, which means the whole population was involved in the study. This study used primary data, which was collected by use of semi-structured questionnaires. A pilot test was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the research instrument. This study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data in this research was analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24). Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, mean (measure of central tendency), standard deviation (measure of dispersion) and percentages. Data was then presented in tables, charts and graphs. Thematic analysis was used in qualitative data analysis from the open ended questions. The results from qualitative data analysis were presented in a narrative form. The study also used a regression analysis to establish the relationship between the independent variable and dependent variables. The study found that ICT capability has a positive and significant effect on the organizational performance of referral hospitals in Kenya. The study established that organizational structure has a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between ICT Capability and the organizational performance of referral hospitals in Kenya. The study recommends that Kenyan referral hospitals should prioritize investment in ICT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and network capabilities. This can support the efficient management of patient records, streamline administrative processes, and enhance communication. In addition, the health facilities should develop training programs to enhance the ICT skills of hospital staff.

Key Words: Information and Communication Technology, Capability, Performance, Organizational Structure