Feasibility study of implementing a national health data repository in Rwanda to improve patient data accessibility and healthcare service delivery. Case study of referral and district hospitals

Abstract

Background: This comprehensive feasibility study aims at assessing the practicality and potential impact of establishing a centralized repository to store and manage healthcare data across the country. By facilitating improved patient data accessibility and healthcare service delivery, such an initiative holds the promise of revolutionizing the healthcare landscape in Rwanda. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional conducted using a quantitative approach, which involves collecting and analysing numerical data to identify patterns. The study was conducted in two Kigalibased national referral hospitals namely King Faisal Hospital, and Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. One Level two teaching hospital (Nyamata Level two Teaching Hospital) and two district hospitals (Gatonde District Hospital, and Nyarugenge District Hospital). Two sample groups were selected. The first sample group consisted of doctors who record patient data and use it in decisionmaking whereas the second sample group consisted of ICT staff and managing directors. The study sample included 100 healthcare providers and 20 ICT. Therefore, the total study sample was 120 participants. Results: Support for a national health data repository is strong (66.7%) and slight (30%), with only 3.3% opposing it. Notably, "Makes patient information more accessible, and reusable" garnered the highest level of endorsement, with 94.17% of participants recognizing its potential. Afterward, "Enables health information exchange" garnered a significant level of support, with 86.67% of participants. Remarkably, “Data security and privacy concerns” garnered the highest level of endorsement, with a significant 93.33% of participants acknowledging its potential as a major obstacle. Lastly Among the surveyed individuals, a substantial majority, comprising 78.30%, favoured the utilization of a central data repository interconnected with all participating hospitals through the Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) Technology. Conclusion: This repository could be a game-changer in healthcare, revolutionizing how patient information is managed and utilized to provide more efficient and effective medical care nationwide.