Relationship between semantic layer, technical infrastructure with eHealth interoperability in Ugandan public hospitals.

Abstract

Although eHealth technology has been adopted in developed countries for some years, it seems to be in its early stages in developing countries like Uganda. In this study, the connection between Technical Infrastructure, Semantic layer and eHealth interoperability in Ugandan Public Hospitals was investigated. Quantitative research methods to collect and analyze data were employed in this study. Stratified sampling was used to select three public general hospitals of Kitagata, Nebbi, and Naguru while simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from a total of 14 administrative staff, 44 medical workers and 32 patients from each of these hospitals at a response rate of 89.3 percent. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to derive background information of the respondents while regression analysis techniques were used to analyze variable relationships and also to test the predicting power of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The final model was confirmed using structural equation modelling analysis tools. The key findings indicated a significant positive relation between Technical Infrastructure and eHealth Interoperability (Beta = 0.475, p<0.001), Semantic Layer and eHealth Interoperability (Beta=0.595, p<0.001). The proposed model showed a significant relation between Technical Infrastructure with eHealth Interoperability, Semantic Layer with eHealth Interoperability in Ugandan Public Hospitals. It is recommended that stakeholders implementing eHealth in Ugandan Public Hospitals to consider Technical Infrastructure, Semantic Layer, and eHealth Interoperability relationships for effective healthcare systems leading to quality eHealth care.