A Framework of E-Health Systems Adoption and Telemedicine Readiness in Developing Countries

Abstract

Fundamental transformation of the healthcare sector through informatics is achievable, from technical prospective. However, organisational issues surrounding technology implementation in healthcare setting have not yet received adequate research attentions in developing countries. The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework model to determine Telemedicine Readiness (TR) at an organisational level in Libyan healthcare establishments. In addition, Telemedicine Adoption and Outcome Expectations were also examined as further model outcomes. A questionnaire based survey was designed and developed to include 7 items concerning various conceptual subscales. The paper reports the responses of 161 participants targeting mainly Libyan physicians and healthcare staff who are studying for further education in the UK and who have been healthcare providers in Libya. The results show a strong correlation of TR with Human Resources (HR) capability (r = 0.535, P < 0.001) and with IT Infrastructure (r = 0.44, P < 0.001). The overall Cronbach Alpha coefficient = 0.835. The factor analysis (validity) illustrated five factors with positive loading > 0.5. Further, user acceptance, IT infrastructure and HR capability have significant influences on TR (r2 = 0.472, P < 0.001). From both reliability test and factor analysis, the framework is considered a valid model to assess TM readiness.