DIGITAL MATURITY MODELS AND PERFORMANCE OF HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS IN ABAKILIKI, EBONYI STATE

Abstract

The study assessed the Digital Maturity Models and Performance of healthcare institutions in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State. Its specific objectives were to investigate the relationship between Electronic Health Records (EHR) and institutional output, and to determine the relationship between Patient-Centered Technologies and clinical outcomes within these healthcare institutions. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to a total population of 297 employees familiar with and utilizing digital infrastructure in healthcare. Due to the relatively small population, all employees were included in the study. Out of the questionnaires distributed, 240 were returned, representing an 81% response rate, while 50 were not returned, accounting for 19%. This indicates a high level of participation. The data were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations on a Sprint Likert Scale, and hypotheses were tested using the Z-test statistical method. Results showed that Electronic Health Records (EHR) had a significant positive relationship with the output of healthcare institutions in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, with Z(8.327, p < .05). Patient-Centered Technologies had significant positive relationship with Clinical Outcomes of healthcare institutions in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, Z(10.393, P. <. 05). The study found that Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Patient-Centered Technologies are significantly and positively associated with the performance and clinical outcomes of healthcare institutions. The study recommended among others that Healthcare institutions are encouraged to fully implement integrated and interoperable Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems that enable real-time documentation, access to patient histories, lab results, medication management, and clinical decision support.