Evaluating the effectiveness of information communication technology use in urban hospitals in Uganda

Abstract

The primary objective of the study was to assess the use of information communication technology in hospitals in Uganda. This study took place in three hospitals; that is: Mulago Hospital, Butabika Hospital and Kibuli Hospital. All the hospitals are found in Kampala district. The study focused on computers and networks, and how the internet was being used in helping to treat the patients, and study population consisted of administrators, doctors, nurses and medical records staff. The results indicated that these hospitals have computers and very few were connected to the internet and that there was restricted access to these computers. For Kibuli Hospital, the situation was even worse as there was only one computer connected to the internet and was mainly used for communication. However, in order to ensure effective use of information communication technology in hospitals, the following conditions must be in place; training and awareness building, policy and laws, proper funding, proper planning of ICT projects and stakeholder involvement.