A User-Centered Approach to the Development of E-Health Systems: A Case of Uganda

Abstract

Over the years the quality of health service delivery has drastically improved through deliberate efforts that have been made to implement e-health systems in developing economies. In Uganda particularly, e-health systems have been introduced and implemented in both government and private-owned healthcare units. However, due to lack of a structured mechanism to guide the development of usable e-health systems there have been growing concerns related to usability challenges with the e-health systems. The challenges that include complexity of system user interfaces, limited interactivity of e-health systems, security and confidentiality concerns are attributed to ad-hoc design of system interfaces, limited involvement of users in the design process and misalignment of e-health interventions with user needs. In this research we examine the challenges of usability of e-health systems in Uganda. The research process was guided by the design science methodology that is premised on systems analysis, surveys and interactions with medical personnel and IT practitioners working with the health sector in the country. The overall goal was to identify the niches for the development of a user-centered approach to guide the development of e-health systems for enhanced and sustainable health services delivery in Uganda. The developed user-centered approach was evaluated by experts to ensure that it was fit for the development of usable e-health systems in Uganda.