Extending the ICT Technological Culturation Model: The Role of Accessibility and Perceived Socio-Economic Prospects on ICT Diffusion

This study extends the Technological culturation (TC) model proposed by Straub et al. by examining the influences of two additional constructs - accessibility of technology (AT) and perceived socio-economic prospects (PSEP) - on the usage (U) of information and communications technologies (ICTs). Research question was: In addition to technological culturation, do “accessibility of ICTs” and “individuals’ perceptions of the socio-economic prospects” influence the usage of ICTs? The instrument measured the extent to which respondents are influenced by advanced technology cultures, accessibility to ICTs, and their perceptions of the long-term socio-economic outlook of their country. It also allowed them to rank their usage of ICTs. Using partial least squares (PLS), the research model tested the impacts of AT on TC and, and TC, AT, PSEP on ICT usage. Findings show strong supports for all tested links. Inferences from these findings and their implications on research and practice are also provided

In search of Insights from Community of Practice and Use of Telemedicine in Low income Countries: The case of Ethiopia

The use of ICT for exchange of medical records in provision of health care services appears to be a viable option for enhancing the capacity of low income developing countries struggling with shortage of qualified medical personnel. This study seeks to gain a preliminary assessment of whether health professionals who work in the health facilities covered by the Ethio-Indian Telemedicine program have adopted and used the Telemedicine technology to enhance health care services. Among other things, the study also aims to understand the extent to which health professionals in the study area consider Telemedicine as a viable option for delivery of health care services. Survey will be conducted to gather information from users in the study area. The study is primarily informed by literature on Community of Practice, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Case Study Research

Testing a Modified TAM that Accounts for Realities of Technology Acceptance in Sub Saharan Africa

One of the motivations for this paper is to enhance our understanding of the interactions that come to bear between some socio-economic development needs and factors generally innate to sub-Sahara Africa that manifest to impede technological adoption in the region. Developing countries, of which all sub-Sahara Africa countries are part, lag in adopting foreign technologies for various reasons, among which are institutional, cultural, geo-political, tribal, and economic policy factors. This research is an examination of some antecedents to the perceived user resource model, which in turn was developed from the original TAM literature; it also extends ideas espoused in Information Technology literature related to socio-economic development. We validate the model by analyzing survey data gathered in two representative Sub-Saharan Africa countries. We offer some diagnostics and prescriptions for how to effect a sustainable technological adoption and development across the region

Assessment of Ethiopian Health Facilities Readiness for Implementation of Telemedicine

Ethiopiahas one of the lowest ratios of health professionals to population in the world. The few medical specialists who are available work mainly in the capital city and in a few regional cities. The use of telemedicine in public health facilities can mitigate the shortage of medical personnel. We conducted a survey of selected public health facilities located inAddis Ababa,Ethiopia. The study could be modified and extended to other countries in Sub-SaharanAfrica. In this study, we adapted Bakry’s e-government assessment model, STOPE (Strategy, Technology, Organizational, People, and Environment) to assess telemedicine readiness. Validity and reliability tests were conducted using the Smart PLS software package. The survey data was analyzed using SPSS version 16, and descriptive and analytical statistical reports were generated. The color-coded feature of the McConnell International analysis tool was used to display the results. All factors in STOPE indicated amber color, which implies the need for substantial improvements at the health facilities in order to adopt Telemedicine. The STOPE model results from this study show that the degree of readiness for telemedicine implementation varies from a weak rating for Technology readiness to strong rating for Organization readiness

Toward Sustainable Adoption of Technologies for Human Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Precursors, Diagnostics, and Prescriptions

This paper proposes and merges an extension of technology acceptance model with ideas from human development research targeting least developed countries. Specifically, the paper proposes an extension of the influence of perceived user resource, which in turn was developed from the original TAM literature. It is also tied to the Information Technology literature about socio-economic development. Our objective is to shed light on the interactions between socio-economic development needs and factors generally innate to sub-Sahara Africa and other developing countries that impede sustainable technological adoption and diffusion. We argue that developing countries lag in adopting \u27foreign technologies\u27. We offer diagnostics and prescriptions for how to effect a sustainable technological adoption to support socio-economic development across Sub-Saharan Africa. This article should bring into focus this and other developing regions that are almost non-existent in mainstream information systems research

Calling For Diversity In Health Care Executive Suites And Evaluation Of Effects On Efficiency Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Adequate diversity in the leadership of health care organizations is a problem that potentially affects overall performance.  In this paper, we propose the application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and strategic human information systems to determine how diversity affects the efficiency, stability, and long-term viability of health care organizations at the organization level.  Data envelopment analysis could also be applied within a given health care organization to examine how the organization’s diversity make-up in its various departments affects relative efficiencies across the departments.  After presenting a brief introduction of DEA, we provide examples of inputs and outputs used in a proposed DEA analysis. We also propose the use of strategic information systems in health care organizations in developing countries at both organization and departmental levels.  We suggest that both developed and developing countries would benefit from using these tools as they seek to control costs and improve health care systems

The impact of trans-catheter aortic valve replacement induced leftbundle branch block on cardiac reverse remodeling

Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is common following trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and has been linked to increased mortality, although whether this is related to less favourable cardiac reverse remodeling is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of TAVR induced LBBB on cardiac reverse remodeling. Methods 48 patients undergoing TAVR for severe aortic stenosis were evaluated. 24 patients with new LBBB (LBBB-T) following TAVR were matched with 24 patients with a narrow post-procedure QRS (nQRS). Patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) prior to and 6 m post-TAVR. Measured cardiac reverse remodeling parameters included left ventricular (LV) size, ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Inter- and intra-ventricular dyssynchrony were determined using time to peak radial strain derived from CMR Feature Tracking. Results In the LBBB-T group there was an increase in QRS duration from 96 ± 14 to 151 ± 12 ms (P < 0.001) leading to inter- and intra-ventricular dyssynchrony (inter: LBBB-T 130 ± 73 vs nQRS 23 ± 86 ms, p < 0.001; intra: LBBB-T 118 ± 103 vs. nQRS 13 ± 106 ms, p = 0.001). Change in indexed LV end-systolic volume (LVESVi), LVEF and GLS was significantly different between the two groups (LVESVi: nQRS -7.9 ± 14.0 vs. LBBB-T -0.6 ± 10.2 ml/m2, p = 0.02, LVEF: nQRS +4.6 ± 7.8 vs LBBB-T -2.1 ± 6.9%, p = 0.002; GLS: nQRS -2.1 ± 3.6 vs. LBBB-T +0.2 ± 3.2%, p = 0.024). There was a significant correlation between change in QRS and change in LVEF (r = -0.434, p = 0.002) and between change in QRS and change in GLS (r = 0.462, p = 0.001). Post-procedure QRS duration was an independent predictor of change in LVEF and GLS at 6 months. Conclusion TAVR-induced LBBB is associated with less favourable cardiac reverse remodeling at medium term follow up. In view of this, every effort should be made to prevent TAVR-induced LBBB, especially as TAVR is now being extended to a younger, lower risk population

Management of anaphylaxis due to COVID-19 vaccines in the elderly

Older adults, especially men and/or those with diabetes, hypertension, and/or obesity, are prone to severe COVID-19. In some countries, older adults, particularly those residing in nursing homes, have been prioritized to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to high risk of death. In very rare instances, the COVID-19 vaccines can induce anaphylaxis, and the management of anaphylaxis in older people should be considered carefully. An ARIA-EAACI-EuGMS (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma, European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and European Geriatric Medicine Society) Working Group has proposed some recommendations for older adults receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. Anaphylaxis to COVID-19 vaccines is extremely rare (from 1 per 100,000 to 5 per million injections). Symptoms are similar in younger and older adults but they tend to be more severe in the older patients. Adrenaline is the mainstay treatment and should be readily available. A flowchart is proposed to manage anaphylaxis in the older patients.Peer reviewe

ARIA digital anamorphosis : Digital transformation of health and care in airway diseases from research to practice

Digital anamorphosis is used to define a distorted image of health and care that may be viewed correctly using digital tools and strategies. MASK digital anamorphosis represents the process used by MASK to develop the digital transformation of health and care in rhinitis. It strengthens the ARIA change management strategy in the prevention and management of airway disease. The MASK strategy is based on validated digital tools. Using the MASK digital tool and the CARAT online enhanced clinical framework, solutions for practical steps of digital enhancement of care are proposed.Peer reviewe