Project – Impact of technology on healthcare using primary healthcare as a case study

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The impact of technology on primary healthcare has been a subject of extensive research and discussion in recent years. The advent of technology has revolutionized the healthcare sector, particularly primary healthcare, by improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care (Bashshur & Shannon, 2009). For instance, telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and mobile health (mHealth) applications have significantly transformed the way healthcare services are delivered. These technologies have not only made healthcare more patient-centric but also have improved the overall health outcomes (Free et al., 2013).

Telemedicine, for instance, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially in remote and underserved areas (Bashshur & Shannon, 2009). It has enabled real-time interaction between patients and healthcare providers, thereby improving access to healthcare services. Moreover, telemedicine has also facilitated remote patient monitoring, which has proven to be beneficial in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease (Kvedar, Coye, & Everett, 2014).

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have also played a significant role in enhancing the quality of primary healthcare. EHRs have streamlined the process of storing, retrieving, and sharing patient information, thereby improving the coordination of care (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). They have also facilitated evidence-based decision making by providing healthcare providers with comprehensive and up-to-date patient information. Furthermore, EHRs have also reduced medical errors and improved patient safety by providing alerts and reminders to healthcare providers (Ammenwerth et al., 2008).

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are another technological innovation that has significantly impacted primary healthcare. These applications have empowered patients to take control of their health by providing them with tools to monitor their health, manage their medications, and communicate with their healthcare providers (Free et al., 2013). Moreover, mHealth applications have also facilitated health promotion and disease prevention by providing personalized health information and reminders (Kumar et al., 2013).

However, despite the numerous benefits, the integration of technology in primary healthcare also poses several challenges. These include issues related to privacy and security of patient information, lack of interoperability among different health information systems, and resistance from healthcare providers due to the perceived complexity of technology (Kruse et al., 2017). Therefore, it is crucial to address these challenges to fully harness the potential of technology in primary healthcare.

Technology has significantly impacted primary healthcare by improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of technology in primary healthcare. Future research should focus on developing strategies to overcome these challenges and further enhance the impact of technology on primary healthcare.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The impact of technology on healthcare has been a topic of significant interest in recent years. The advent of new technologies has revolutionized the healthcare sector, leading to improved patient care, efficient data management, and enhanced healthcare delivery (Buntin et al., 2011). However, the integration of technology in primary healthcare, which is the first point of contact for patients, has been met with several challenges.

One of the main problems is the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the implementation of advanced technologies in primary healthcare settings (Bates et al., 2014). Many primary healthcare facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack the necessary resources to adopt and maintain these technologies. This has resulted in a digital divide, where some patients have access to technologically advanced healthcare services while others do not.

Another issue is the lack of digital literacy among healthcare providers and patients (Alpay et al., 2015). The successful implementation of technology in primary healthcare requires both providers and patients to be comfortable with using these technologies. However, many healthcare providers and patients lack the necessary skills to effectively use these technologies, leading to underutilization and inefficiency.

Data privacy and security is also a significant concern when it comes to the use of technology in primary healthcare (Kumaraguru & Sachdeva, 2010). With the increasing use of electronic health records and other digital tools, there is a risk of unauthorized access and misuse of patient data. This has raised concerns about the safety and privacy of patient information.

The impact of technology on the doctor-patient relationship is another problem that needs to be addressed (Mechanic, 2011). While technology can improve communication and access to healthcare, it can also create a sense of depersonalization. There is a risk that the increased use of technology could lead to a loss of personal interaction between doctors and patients, which is a crucial aspect of primary healthcare.

Furthermore, while technology has the potential to greatly improve primary healthcare, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. These include infrastructure limitations, digital literacy, data privacy and security, and the impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Further research is needed to understand these issues and develop strategies to effectively integrate technology into primary healthcare.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The study examines the impact of technology on healthcare using primary healthcare as a case study. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the extent to which technology has influenced the delivery of primary healthcare services.
2. To identify the specific technological tools or systems that have been integrated into primary healthcare and their respective roles.
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of these technological interventions in improving the quality of primary healthcare.
4. To understand the challenges and barriers faced in the implementation of technology in primary healthcare settings.

1.4 Research Question

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. To what extent has technology influenced the delivery of primary healthcare services?
2. What specific technological tools or systems have been integrated into primary healthcare and what are their respective roles?
3. How effective have these technological interventions been in improving the quality of primary healthcare?
4. What are the challenges and barriers faced in the implementation of technology in primary healthcare settings?

1.5  Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Technology has no significant influence on the delivery of primary healthcare services

H₁: Technology has significant influence on the delivery of primary healthcare services.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The study of the impact of technology on healthcare, with a focus on primary healthcare, is of great significance due to the increasing reliance on technology in the healthcare sector. The integration of technology in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare services are delivered, making them more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective (Buntin et al., 2011).

This study is particularly important in the context of primary healthcare, which is often the first point of contact for patients. By understanding how technology is being used in primary healthcare, we can gain insights into how it can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare delivery (Bates et al., 2014).

Furthermore, the study will shed light on the specific technological tools or systems that have been integrated into primary healthcare. This knowledge can guide future technological implementations in healthcare, ensuring they are effective and beneficial to both healthcare providers and patients (Menachemi & Collum, 2011).

The evaluation of the effectiveness of these technological interventions is another significant aspect of this study. It will provide empirical evidence on the impact of technology on the quality of primary healthcare, which can inform policy decisions and healthcare practices (Chaudhry et al., 2006).

The study also holds significance in identifying the challenges and barriers faced in the implementation of technology in primary healthcare settings. This understanding can help in devising strategies to overcome these challenges, thereby facilitating the successful integration of technology in healthcare (Boonstra & Broekhuis, 2010).

Lastly, the findings of this study can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of technology in primary healthcare. This can pave the way for further research in this area, ultimately leading to the advancement of healthcare technology (Greenhalgh et al., 2017).

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of technology on healthcare using primary healthcare as a case study. The study is limited to Alimosho Primary Healthcare Centre, Lagos.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Impact: In the context of this study, impact refers to the effect or influence that technology has on healthcare. It can be positive, such as improving efficiency and patient outcomes, or negative, such as increasing costs or creating new challenges.

Technology: Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. In healthcare, this can include a wide range of tools and systems, from electronic health records and telemedicine platforms to advanced diagnostic machines and AI-powered analysis tools.

Healthcare: Healthcare is the organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community. It encompasses a wide range of services provided by doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other health professionals, and can include everything from preventive care and disease management to rehabilitation and palliative care.

Primary Healthcare: Primary healthcare is the first point of contact for individuals with the health system. It includes a broad range of services, such as health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Primary healthcare is typically provided by general practitioners, family physicians, internists, pediatricians, and other primary care providers. It is designed to be accessible, comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous, providing care for most health needs throughout a person’s life.

Project – Impact of technology on healthcare using primary healthcare as a case study