SWOT Analysis and Expert Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Introduction of Healthcare Information Systems in Polyclinics in Aktobe, Kazakhstan

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the organizational effectiveness of the introduction of a healthcare information system (electronic medical records and databases) in healthcare in Kazakhstan. Methods: The authors used a combination of 2 methods: expert assessment and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. SWOT analysis is a necessary element of research, constituting a mandatory preliminary stage both when drawing up strategic plans and for taking corrective measures in the future. The expert survey was conducted using 2 questionnaires. Results: The study involved 40 experts drawn from specialists in primary healthcare in Aktobe: 15 representatives of administrative and managerial personnel (chief doctors and their deputies, heads of medical statistics offices, organizational and methodological offices, and internal audit services) and 25 general practitioners. Conclusions: The following functional indicators of the medical and organizational effectiveness of the introduction of information systems in polyclinics were highlighted: first, improvement of administrative control, followed in descending order by registration and movement of medical documentation, statistical reporting and process results, and the cost of employees’ working time. There has been no reduction in financial costs, namely in terms of the costs of copying, delivery of information in paper form, technical equipment, and paper

A SWOT analysis of big data in healthcare

Nowadays, organizations in the most distinct sectors of activities, are generating enormous amounts of data, at high velocity and high variety. This phenomenon dictated a growing technological development, called big data, which is already recognized as one of the most important areas of the future of information. Due to this fact, organizations have been looking for new solutions to improve their services and take advantage of these new technologies. The reality in the healthcare industry is similar to the phenomenon described above. It is a sector where large amounts of data have been stored digitally and with enormous benefits from these new technologies. Despite this, there are very few health-related organizations making investments in big data and taking advantage of it. This article will address a SWOT analysis, more specifically the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of big data in healthcare in order to help organizations to evaluate its potential.- (undefined