Holistic Approach Framework for Cloud Computing Strategic Decision-Making in the Healthcare Sector (HAF-CCS)

Cloud Computing is an evolving information technology paradigm that impacts many sectors in many countries. Cloud Computing offers IT services anytime, anywhere via any device and is applicable to healthcare organisations, offering a potential cost saving of 15% to 37%. This research investigates Cloud Computing as a facilitating technology to solve some of the challenges experienced by healthcare organisations such as the high cost of implementing IT solutions. The purpose of this research is to develop and apply an Holistic Approach Framework for Cloud Computing Strategic Decision-Making in the Healthcare Sector (HAF-CCS) to provide a systematic approach to the adoption of Cloud Computing that considers different perspectives. Although, Cloud Computing is becoming widely used, there is limited evidence in the literature concerning its application in the Saudi healthcare sector. In the thesis, current cloud adoption decision-making frameworks are analysed and the need to develop a strategic framework for Cloud Computing decision-making processes which emphasises a multidisciplinary holistic approach is identified. Understanding the different strategic aspects of Cloud Computing is important and could encourage organisations to adopt this model of computing since the decision regarding whether to adopt Cloud Computing is potentially a complex process; there are many perspectives to be considered, and studying this process requires a multiple perspective framework. The framework developed in this thesis aims to support decision-makers in healthcare organisations by covering five perspectives of Cloud Computing adoption: Organisation, Technology, Environment, Human and Business. The framework integrates the TOE (Technology-Organisation-Environment) framework with the Information Systems Strategy Triangle (IS Triangle) and the HOT-fit (Human- Organisation-Technology) model to support an holistic evaluation of the determinants of Cloud Computing adoption in healthcare organisations. The factors that will affect Cloud Computing adoption in healthcare organisations in Saudi Arabia have been identified using quantitative and qualitative methods, and a case study approach was implemented to validate the framework. The results of the validation showed that the framework can support decision-makers in understanding an organisation’s position regarding Cloud Computing and identifying any gaps that may hinder Cloud Computing adoption. The framework can also provide healthcare organisations with a strategic assessment tool to help in gaining the advantages of Cloud Computing

Infectious diseases management framework for Saudi Arabia (SAIF)

A Thesis Submitted to the University of Bedfordshire in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of PhilosopyInfectious disease management system area is considered as an emerging field of modern healthcare in the Gulf region. Significant technical and clinical progress and advanced technologies can be utilized to enhance the performance and ubiquity of such systems. Effective infectious disease management (IDM) can be achieved by analysing the disease management issues from the perspectives of healthcare personnel and patients. Hence, it is necessary to identify the needs and requirements of both healthcare personnel and patients for managing the infectious disease. The basic idea behind the proposed mobile IDM system in this thesis is to improve the healthcare processes in managing infectious diseases more effectively. For this purpose, internet and mobile technologies are integrated with social networking, mapping and IDM applications to improve the processes efficiency. Hence, the patients submit their health related data through their devices remotely using our application to our system database (so-called SAIF). The main objective of this PhD project was the design and development of a novel web based architecture of next-generation infectious disease management system embedding the concept of social networking tailored for Saudi patients. Following a detailed literature review which identifies the current status and potential impact of using infectious diseases management system in KSA, this thesis conducts a feasibility user perspective study for identifying the needs and the requirements of healthcare personnel and the patients for managing infectious diseases. Moreover, this thesis proposes a design and development of a novel architecture of next-generation web based infectious disease management system tailored for Saudi patients (i.e., called SAIF – infectious diseases management framework for Saudi Arabia). Further, this thesis introduces a usability study for the SAIF system to validate the acceptability of using mobile technologies amongst infected patient in KSA and Gulf region. The preliminary results of the study indicated general acceptance of the patients in using the system with higher usability rating in high affected patients. In general, the study concluded that the concept of SAIF system is considered acceptable tool in particularly with infected patients

The Impact of Mobile Technology in the Battle against COVID-19

Mobile technology has undergone rapid development in the last decade and immediately found fertile ground for use in digital healthcare applications. The advantages both for citizens and the health domain are many and interconnected. During the pandemic, mobile technology was also useful for minimizing social distancing, epidemiological monitoring through contact tracing, psychological support, and maintaining social relationships. There is a particular need for scholars to focus both on the innovations in this field during the pandemic and on the problems hampering the use of mobile technology to facilitate the correct and effective introduction of this technology into routine clinical programs in stable health care models. All professionals working in this sector were encouraged to contribute with their experiences. This reprint contains contributions from various experts and different fields. Aspects relating to the success and failures of employment, the medical experience, and acceptance are addressed. Particular space was also given to the role of social media, the use of apps (also presenting critical issues), and innovative apps for contact tracing. The digital divide and the infodemic were also investigated along with their impacts on citizens during the pandemic, for example, in following government directives relating to prevention and vaccination. We dedicate the book to all those involved with different roles in digital health

Training, Education and Research in COVID-19 Times: Innovative Methodological Approaches, Best Practices, and Case Studies

The global COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major challenge in all aspects of life, including how graduate training of healthcare practitioners is conducted. In Saudi Arabia, there were over 14,000 graduate health professional trainees in different stages of their training in various specialties distributed in many healthcare facilities across the country. The vast geographical distribution and diversity of health specialties training programs and activities have remarkably magnified the challenge posed by the pandemic. However, recently, the SCFHS implemented a health training governance reform that granted more autonomy to accredited training facilities in supervising training activities according to preset policies. This autonomy was crucial for mitigating various risks imposed by the pandemic, especially during the extended periods of strict lockdown. The ultimate mandate is a knowledge management primer. We need to once again focus on the basics of human creativity and knowledge creation: Create the content/knowledge; Utilize knowledge; Document knowledge; Communicate knowledge; Enable an integrated training, education, and research ecosystem; Utilize the integrated platform. Our volume is a contribution to the scientific debate for the added value of COVID-19 to our training, education, and research capabilities. We continue this debate with a new Special Issue in the Sustainability journal. We look forward to your contributions to this discussion

Smart e-Health System for Real-time Tracking and Monitoring of Patients, Staff and Assets for Healthcare Decision Support in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia has been lagging behind the developed countries of the world, due to the insufficient number of healthcare practitioners and the lack of applications of tracking and monitoring technology. These shortages have contributed to problems such as patient misidentification, long patient waiting times, and the inability to locate medical equipment efficiently. The country’s Vision 2030 plan outlines ways to solve the deficient workforce problem by promoting more local health-related educational outlets, and by funding this expanding sector. Consequently, Saudi Arabia needs to adapt to the demanding nature of modern healthcare, which presents major problems that this research aims to help solve. The literature has shown that Information Technology systems have begun to be implemented in some hospitals across Saudi Arabia, but even in those hospitals these technologies are being under-utilised. The intention of this thesis is to provide an appropriate choice for a real-time tracking and monitoring technology in healthcare, in the form of an integrated RFID/ZigBee system. This thesis develops a holistic framework for healthcare institutions, to be followed for customised solutions in improving staff efficiency and productivity, and for better patient care, while minimising long-term costs. This holistic framework incorporates contextual elements from both the Information System Strategy Triangle (ISST) and the Human, Organisation and Technology-fit factors (HOT-fit) frameworks, in a way that ensures the new framework addresses technology, organisational, human and business factors. The holistic model is refined through Communities of Practice (CoPs), one of which was developed and utilised for the research purposes of this thesis, and assisted in the creation of a questionnaire for assessing the requirements and challenges of the KSA healthcare system. This questionnaire was based on 220 usable responses. It also helped to refine the framework for its final version, which included all identified factors relevant to the decision a healthcare institution faces in choosing a health information technology system. Various cases were analysed to improve the hospitals workflow, using the proposed technology and including processes such as relocating staff and medical assets. This led to the need for visualisation and knowledge management, to support real-time data analysis for business intelligence decision making. The end goal of this analysis is to provide interactive platforms to healthcare staff for use in improving efficiency and productivity. The outcomes of these improvements will be to ensure better patient care, lower patient waiting time, reduced healthcare costs, and to allow more time for staff to provide improved patient-centric care in the Saudi healthcare sector. Keywords: e-Health, Health Information Technology, Tracking and Monitoring System, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Holistic Framework, Communities of Practice, Knowledge Management, Visualisation, KFM

A model on factors affecting nurses adoption of health information technology

Healthcare organisations are using Health Information Technology (HIT) to improve efficiency, reduce cost and reduce medical errors. This study focused on the factors that influence the acceptance of HIT among nurses in Saudi hospitals. This research used a 6 stage mixed-methods research approach. Literature was used to search for established models and frameworks of technology acceptance, and the many factors that could play a role. In the field study, the nature of practical HIT issues at the Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) and the Heraa Hospital were studied, and combined with literature to create a HIT Implementation Issues Framework. The framework consolidates elements from the Technological, Organisational, Environmental and Human dimensions. The researcher participated in further PSMMC projects in the design and implementation of the new Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation System and the Nurses and Pharmacists’ Communication System. From the implementation experience, pertinent factors were added to the Technology Acceptance Model and the “Nurses Acceptance Model” was proposed. The proposed model has eleven independent parameters, two dependent parameters, as well as seven moderators of key relationships. A questionnaire with 71 entries was distributed to over 2800 nurses in 52 wards in PSMMC. SPSS was used for data screening and descriptive statistics. The SmartPLS software was used for analysis and testing of the proposed hypotheses. The findings refined the “Nurses Acceptance Model” and highlight the significance of User Involvement and Training. The “Nurses Acceptance Model” enhances the scientific understanding of variables that affect technology acceptance among nurses in Saudi hospitals. The HIT Implementation Issues Framework helps hospital decision makers to plan HIT projects to improve the likelihood of successful adoption

The Adoption of Mobile Health Systems in Hospitals: An Empirical Cross-City Study in China

Purpose – The aim of this thesis is to develop a model that can predict the hospitals that are likely to adopt Mobile Health Systems (MHS) and the factors influencing their adoption. This study will reveal the reasons why certain factors are more influential than others as well as the reasons behind MHS adoption. Design/methodology/approach – Data was collected in three phases. In phase one, direct interviews with senior hospital managers were conducted in two cities. The objective of this phase was to develop a model of MHS adoption. In phase two, data was collected in 87 hospitals to identify the factors influencing MHS adoption. In phase three, six in-depth interviews were conducted to unravel the reasons behind MHS adoption in hospitals. Findings – The result shows that perceived ease of use, system reliability, system security and privacy of patients, IT infrastructure, hospital level, top management support, government policy and regulation and external pressure are all significant factors in an adoption decision whereas compatibility, perceived usefulness and hospital (organisation) readiness were found to be insignificant. Research limitations – Further research is needed to verify our findings by surveying other hospitals across the country. Practical implications – The model developed can be used by MHS suppliers to develop strategies that target potential adopters, as well as to increase the adoption rate in hospitals. The suppliers could also amend their strategies by fully understanding the reasons behind each factor that facilitates or hinders the adoption of MHS. The government could use the result to develop policy and promote the use of MHS. Originality/value – The study contributes to the continuing research in innovation adoption and diffusion in the healthcare context in the emerging markets. This thesis is the first MHS adoption research conducted at an organisational level among Chinese mainland public hospitals. It also contributes to the research literature by combining both qualitative and quantitative data to explore determinants of MHS adoption. Keywords – IT, Mobile Health System, Innovation, Adoption, Public Hospitals, China

The use of information and communication technologies for accessing HIV and AIDS information by healthcare professionals in Zimbabwe

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThis study sought to investigate the information needs of selected HIV and AIDS health organisations in Zimbabwe with a view to proposing a framework for developing an information access platform. ICTs can play a pivotal role in improving access to HIV and AIDS information and in coordinating HIV and AIDS activities in Zimbabwe. However, the development of ICTs in Zimbabwe’s health sector has been haphazard and idiosyncratic to a plethora of HIV and AIDS organisations operating in Zimbabwe. This study proposes a framework for the development of ICTs for accessing HIV and AIDS information in Zimbabwe. The needs-based framework was proposed after evaluating the information needs of healthcare workers and current health information technologies. An integrated theoretical framework incorporating the General System Theory, the Social Construction of Technology theory and the HOT-fit model was used to frame the study