Implementing Healthcare Information Systems in Developing Countries: Challenges and Lessons Learned | Chapter 9 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

Information systems (IS) have permeated every facet of life, including healthcare. While developed nations efficiently employ information systems in healthcare, developing countries face significant challenges. In many developing countries, sustainable Healthcare Information Systems (HIS) are constrained by weak policies and outdated technologies. In Bangladesh, fragmented and largely non-digital health records continue to limit access to effective care. Evidence shows that standardised hospital information systems can improve patient management and allow healthcare providers to serve more patients efficiently. This study reviews the main barriers to HIS implementation in developing countries using a systematic literature review (SLR). Relevant studies were drawn from IEEE Xplore, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect. From an initial pool of 4,014 papers, 11 studies were selected through rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review identifies 24 key barriers to HIS adoption, grouped into six categories: limited funding, poor infrastructure, low education and awareness, cultural and political constraints, resistance to change, and weak system quality. The study concludes that addressing these barriers is a complex, long-term process often compounded by limited research in developing countries. To overcome these barriers and promote the effective adoption of IS in healthcare, the study recommends focusing on improving infrastructure, securing funding, enhancing training, ensuring system quality, addressing cultural barriers, managing resistance, planning long-term, fostering collaboration, leveraging data-driven decisions, and building local capacity. The journey towards effective HIS implementation in developing countries is marked by complex challenges, but this study highlights critical areas for intervention. Future research and collaborative efforts are crucial to bridging the healthcare technology gap and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for the populations of these countries.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Shafiqur Rahman
International Open University, Australia.

 

Aminul Islam
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, KSA.

 

Sweta Thakur
King’s Own Institute, Australia.

 

Md Badiuzzaman
Information Technology and Engineering, Sydney Metropolitan Institute of Technology, Australia.

 

Nasrin Huda
University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia.

 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/7132