| dc.description.abstract | The health sector has adopted scan form technology for record keeping in Kenya and other African nations. Healthcare workers use smartphones to capture images of filled-out scan form registers, which are automatically uploaded to a scan form server. However, around 20 to 25 healthcare facilities frequently miss the weekly deadline for uploading images. Additionally, 10-15 facilities rely on manual counting for generating reports, and 10-15 do not adhere to standards for documenting on forms. The objective of this study was to determine factors influencing utilization of the SFT by health facilities in Homabay County. Specifically, the study determined the extent of use, barriers to utilization and user acceptability and satisfaction with SFT in Homa Bay County. The study was conducted in 54 health care centres in Rachuonyo North and Homa Bay Township sub-counties of Homa Bay County. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interview guides and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software and Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using NVIVO software. Responses were obtained from 127 healthcare workers, 12 Key informants and 2 FGDs with six participants each (12 health care workers). Inferential analysis tests included chi-square tests and logit regression analysis. The result showed that majority (84.2%,107/127) of the respondents have ever used SFT. Acceptance and satisfaction (59.1%, 75/127) with SFT was also observed among healthcare workers in Homabay County. Barriers to utilization of SFT included incompatibility between SFT and health care workers’ tasks (p = 0.035) and inadequate ICT support for information exchange, communication, and collaboration in the health facility (p = 0.021). On the other hand, the qualitative results showed that inadequate training of staff on use of SFT, poor attitude towards SFT, internet problems, and inadequate staffing of the health facilities are the main challenges facing utilization of SFT in Homabay County. Thus, for successful implementation of SFT, the health service providers and other health stakeholders should address the aforementioned factors to improve utilization of SFT among health care workers. The study recommends training healthcare workers on the use of SFT, providing ICT personnel on standby, improving communication infrastructure, and addressing the problem of understaffing in remote dispensaries and other health centres. | en |
