Lewis,
D., Hodge, N., Gamage, D. & Whittaker, M. (2011). Understanding therole of technology in health information systems. Available from the
University of Queensland Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub at http://www.uq.edu.au/hishub/wp17
The
rapid growth and innovative development of information and communication
technologies (ICT) have impacted fundamentally on the development of
applications and processes to support health care (Chiou, 2011; Lewis, Hodge,Gamage & Whittaker, 2011). This viewpoint is tempered, however, by claims
that within health, a large number of ICT projects have failed (Lewis et al.,
2011; Avison & Young, 2007).
Therefore, understanding the role of technology in health information
systems is fundamental to maximising the benefits and opportunities and
promoting the adoption of best practice.
There are additional considerations for implementing ICT into health
care in specific geographic contexts. Universal health care is still not the
norm for many people in developing countries as socio-economic and geographical
barriers impact on accessible care (Courtney, Shabestari, & Kuo, 2013, p.
v.)
In
the paper, Understanding the role of
technology in health information systems, Lewis et al. discuss the
potential role of ICT in health, discussing opportunities and benefits,
critical factors that lead to ICT success or failure in health contexts and
frameworks and models that can be used to evaluate ICT projects in health. The
research focuses specifically on the developing country context, with
particular reference to the Pacific Island countries and territories. The title
could have indicated this focus more clearly. Language terms are established to
ensure a common understanding within discussions on health information systems
in the Pacific. The article is well structured and referenced extensively with
supporting material from current research and literature.
The
purpose of this article is to inform health system dialogue, particularly in
relation to the Pacific region. The research was funded by the Australian
Agency for International Development (AusAID), with Australia’s aid investments
in the Pacific continuing through 2013-1014 and health maintaining its status
as a development priority (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2014). The focus therefore, is on filling knowledge
gaps so that the practical tools, methods and approaches of ICT use within
health information systems in these locations, is effective (Lewis et al.,
2011). Discussion on current trends in
IT and information services is somewhat limited because more basic issues
around geographic remoteness, telecommunications infrastructure, ongoing human
capacity and training , affordability and appropriateness of the technology,
are affecting the success of ICT projects in these regions (Lewis et al., 2011,
p. 14-15).
Qualitative
data was collected through two key regional consultative meetings and a
literature review. The Pacific was well represented in the consultative
meetings along with other stakeholders and global experts, as detailed by On,Bennett & Whittaker (2009, p. 4). No clear detail is provided, however,
about the exact nature of the discussion questions, the exact numbers in the
group discussions, how the representatives gleaned their information to
contribute or how the sessions were conducted. Therefore there is some
uncertainty as to whether the data was reliable and free from bias.
The
results are more descriptive than predictive, which is appropriate in
qualitative research, with considerable discussion on the reasons for ICT
project failures. The authors also discuss possible ICT innovations in the
developing world and their benefits and dependencies (Lewis et al., 2011, p.
10-11). Furthermore, a number of
frameworks and evaluation tools for guiding the selection of ICT investments in
health systems are discussed as well as a planned second paper entailing
further research and the development of a specific model for implementation
(Lewis et al., 2011, p. 18).
In
summary, this article provides valuable information about the role of ICT in
health, with emphasis on its application within the Pacific region where there
is the potential for significant development. Decisions must be made with an
appreciation of the context and difficulties that exist in the implementation
environment (Lewis et al., 2011, p. 18). This paper is highly useful to stakeholders
involved in the AusAID programs but the research can be applied to other
developing country contexts as it goes some way to filling a knowledge gap and
creates opportunities for further research.
 |
| Image source: Tomorrow's Health (2013) |
References
Avison,
D., & Young, T. (2007). Time to rethink health care and ICT? Communications of the ACM 50(6), 69-74.
doi:10.1145/1247001.1247008
Chiou, C. (2011). Health care service designs with ICT.
Applied Mechanics and Materials, 135-136, 565. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.135-136.565
Courtney, K.L, Shabestari, O., & Kuo, A. (Eds.). (2013). Enabling health and healthcare through ICT. Netherlands: IOS Press. Retrieved from http://eblib.com
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2014). Australian aid: promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability: Health. Retrieved 13 August, 2014, from: http://aid.dfat.gov.au/aidpolicy/developmentpolicy/Pages/health.aspx
Lewis,
D., Hodge, N., Gamage, D., & Whittaker, M. (2011). Understanding the
role of technology in health information systems. Available from the
University of Queensland Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub at http://www.uq.edu.au/hishub/wp17
On,
M.L., Bennett, V., & Whittaker, M. (2009). Issues and challenges for health information systems in the Pacific.
Available from the University of Queensland Health Information Systems
Knowledge Hub at http://www.uq.edu.au/hishub/docs/WP07/WP07_Full_Web-final_6-Nov-12.pdf
Tomorrow’s
Health (2013). Why it’s time for
Tomorrow’s Health…today! [Online image]. Retrieved 20 August, 2014, from http://www.tomorrowshealth.net/
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