An analysis of the diffusion and adoption of technologies and innovations in the public healthcare sector in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study investigates the rate of diffusion and adoption of technologies and innovations in the public healthcare sector in Zimbabwe. Samples of sufficient numerical sizes were collected from a number of public health institutions in Zimbabwe including Parirenyatwa hospital and Harare hospital among other hospitals and clinics. The research specifically analysed what taxonomy of technologies existed in the sector, internet and mobile penetration rates, ICT literacy vis a vi effective utilisation of technologies as well as benefits that have so far been realised from the use of technologies and innovations. Interviews with department heads at the various institutions, as well as questionnaires, were used in data collection to produce the desired information. The research paper concludes that the public health sector has done commendable work in beginning to acknowledge the usefulness of technology in improving health and have considerably done well in beginning to use technology and innovations in spite of a difficult economic environment. Benefits of doing so are evident in improved research, improved patient care and diagnosis, safe storage and easy handling of patient records and improved communication. However, the diffusion and adoption of innovations and technologies in the public healthcare sector is not as rapid as in other developing countries in the region and there is more that still needs to be done to benefit more from the capabilities of technologies and innovations. The major reason for the slow rate of adoption, according to management, is poor financing. Also, while there is evidence of the use of technologies at most institutions, there is no standard nomenclature for these technologies in the Zimbabwean context and each institution is perusing individual interests. There is no effective utilisation of available technologies and innovations at public health institutions due to lack of proper skills by health professions to effectively use the technologies. The recommendations from the research include incorporation of basic ICT training to all health professionals and possible inclusion of the training in the curriculum, come up with a uniform taxonomy for the sector, to make more use of the 100% mobile density by applying mobile health applications like telemedicine to healthcare and to address issues of investment and sustainability.