Abstract:
Background: Information Technology (IT) holds boundless potential for enhancing healthcare quality and safety. Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) play a crucial role in facilitating effective healthcare delivery and management, particularly in Low- and MiddleIncome Countries (LMICs). Despite the introduction of Rwanda's HMIS in 1998, no previous studies have evaluated its adoption from the perspective of end users. This research aims to assess the utility and acceptance of HMIS among Health Data Managers (HDMs) in Rwanda.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study combined both quantitative and qualitative design. The usefulness and acceptance of HMIS by health data managers has been assed using TAM. Questionnaires with quantitative questions in form of likert scale and complementary qualitative questions were administered into the HDMs in hospitals and health centers.
Results: Males account for 53% of the total respondents while females occupied 47%. Perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU) and technology factors were significantly correlated with each other and system acceptance. The joint R Square for PU, PEU, INST, and TECH is .644.
HDMs’ PU of HMIS highlight its core functionalities which includes being quick, increase users’ productivity, effectiveness, making the job easier, and its usefulness.
Conclusion: The significance of HMIS usefulness and acceptance among HDMs in Rwanda is evident, but opportunities for further improvement exist. HDMs acknowledge the valuable contributions of HMIS to their achievements. Factors such as Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), and technology play crucial roles in the adoption of HMIS by HDMs. Continuous trainings, a user-friendly system, technical support, interoperability, and timely communication of updates were recommended by HDMs.
