Telemedicine adoption in Kenyan public healthcare – A focus on access, efficiency, and effectiveness

Absztrakt (kivonat)

This research investigates the adoption of telemedicine services in Kenya, focusing on the factors influencing its uptake and utilization among healthcare stakeholders. Adopting a positivist research philosophy and employing deductive reasoning, the study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to gather primary data from 160 respondents. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to ensure a diverse representation of individuals who have utilized telemedicine services, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their experiences, challenges, and perceptions. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, encompassing various types of questions to elicit specific responses regarding telemedicine adoption. Likert scales were utilized to measure respondents' perceptions of telemedicine's impact on accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness, while demographic information was captured for subgroup analyses. Statistical analysis techniques, including multiple linear regression, cross-tabulation, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA, were employed to analyze the data and examine relationships between variables. The findings revealed a moderate level of telemedicine adoption among respondents, with telepharmacy emerging as the most utilized service. Effectiveness, efficiency, and access were identified as key factors influencing telemedicine adoption. While effectiveness and efficiency showed strong positive correlations with access, access demonstrated a significant positive effect on the level of adoption, whereas effectiveness and efficiency did not yield statistically significant effects. Access to telemedicine services significantly influenced adoption levels, highlighting the importance of ensuring widespread accessibility to promote adoption. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the complexities surrounding telemedicine adoption in Kenya, offering implications for healthcare policy and practice. Addressing barriers to access and enhancing service effectiveness and efficiency are crucial for fostering greater uptake of telemedicine, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and accessibility in the region.