Abstract
In recent years, healthcare service providers have increasingly employed mobile systems in delivering services. However, the nature of the diversities in tribes and languages within many developing countries enhance the difficulty of delivering or receiving the services which are provided by many healthcare organisations. This is so because the English language is the primary medium of communication, although many healthcare recipients are not conversant in English as they cannot speak English fluently or understand it coherently. The objective of the study was to understand the impact which language barrier have on healthcare services. The interpretivist approach was employed. The case study approach was applied. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured technique. The analysis of the data was guided by two theories, actor network theory and diffusion of innovation. From the findings, a framework was developed, which is intended to guide a solution that can be provided to address the barrier in the South African healthcare environment.
Highlights
The objective of the study was to understand the impact which language barrier have on healthcare services
The analysis of the data was guided by two theories, actor network theory and diffusion of innovation
The need for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has increased monumentally in recent years as nearly everyone has witnessed a vast expansion in the prevalence of mobile device (Brown, 2018)
Summary
The need for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has increased monumentally in recent years as nearly everyone has witnessed a vast expansion in the prevalence of mobile device (Brown, 2018). ICT solutions are used to facilitate communication, information processing, storage and management through electronic means ICT is considered as the key to enhancing and improving communication among healthcare providers, especially for patients with chronic conditions (Barr, Vania, Randall, & Mulvale, 2017). According to Yagos, Olok and Ovuga (2017), services such as e-Referral, teleconsultation, electronic medical records, and the utilisation of mobile phones indicate substantial benefits to health workers in rural and remote areas. ICT can be used to promote and improve the quality of healthcare and enhance the education of both health professionals and patients (Rouleau, Gagnon, & Côté, 2015).
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