EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE ON PATIENT WAITING TIMES IN THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF JM KARIUKI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Abstract
Purpose: The study sought to examine the impact of information technology (IT) infrastructure on patient waiting times in the outpatient department (OPD) of JM Kariuki Memorial Hospital, a Level IV public facility in Nyandarua County, Kenya.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, targeting 239 respondents selected through stratified and systematic random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24 through descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis, while qualitative data from interviews were thematically analyzed using NVivo software.
Results: The study revealed that the average patient waiting time was 3.4 hours, with the longest delays observed in surgical and medical services. Regression analysis showed a significant impact of IT infrastructure on reducing waiting times (β = 0.204, p < 0.05), with an explanatory power of R² = 0.793. Key IT elements such as electronic medical records (EMRs), appointment scheduling systems, and digital patient tracking tools were found to enhance operational efficiency and minimize delays.
Conclusion: The study concludes that strengthening IT systems is vital for improving patient flow and reducing outpatient delays.
Recommendations: The study recommends that hospital management prioritize upgrading IT infrastructure, improve internet connectivity, integrate health information exchange (HIE) systems, and invest in continuous staff training.
Keywords: Information technology, patient waiting time, outpatient department, electronic medical records, health information exchange, digital health systems
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