This study evaluated the level of information and communications technologies (ICTs) adoption in the administration of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana within the context of the Activity Theory. The study used the mixed methods which involved the survey of 104 staff using questionnaires and an interview with the Regional ICT Coordinator of the NHIS in Accra. The study revealed that the NHIS’ in the Region did not have an ICT policy of their own derived from the national ICT policy. Also, the level of adoption in ICTs was not satisfactory as essential processes in the schemes administration were still being done manually. ICT usage in the schemes was not adequate and effective. The majority of the staff had basic-intermediate ICT skills; and trainings in ICTs for staff were not adequate. The study concluded that even though ICTs hold great potential for health insurance scheme administration, these benefits for now remains an illusion in Ghana’s NHIS setup. A policy driven and training led strategies were recommended.

 

Published In : IJCSN Journal Volume 2, Issue 6

Date of Publication : 01 December 2013

Pages : 73 - 81

Figures : --

Tables : 01

Publication Link : ijcsn.org/IJCSN-2013/2-6/IJCSN-2013-2-6-132.pdf

 

 

 

Jeffrey Mingle : hold Masters of Arts Degree in Library Studies and Bachelor Arts in Information Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon in 2007 and 2011 respectively. He has a rich experience in Librarianship, Research and Computing. Also, the author of “Web Search: A Simple Manual to Online Searching”. His research interests are in ICT applications in libraries, computing, electronic databases, and research for development. He is also member of the Ghana Library Association. Jeffrey Mingle is currently the Assistant Librarian at the Accra Polytechnic, Accra; Ghana.

Michael Dzigbordi Dzandu : holds a BSc. Computer Science and Psychology; and an M.Phil in Librarianship degrees from the University of Ghana, Legon. He has been an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana, Legon since 2009. He teaches Introduction to Computing, Introduction to Information Technology, Database Management and Telecommunications and Information Networks. His research interests are in application of ICTs in information centers, ICT for development, information and records management, Internet and electronic records management; and technology management. Michael Dzigbordi Dzandu is also a member of the Ghana Library Association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Insurance

Information and Communication Technology

ICT Administration

Health Administration

ICT Policy

Ghana

 

The data for the study has revealed that only some aspects of the activity theory were evident in the NHIS’s level of adoption and use of ICT for health insurance administration. The Activity Theory stipulates that activities in organizations are mediated through the role of tools and artifacts (ICTs), guided by lay down procedures, rules and regulations (policies) that helps in achieving organizational goals and objectives. In effect, the Activity Theory was not evident in the ICT adoption by the MHIS’ in Accra. Evidence abounds that if the Greater Accra Region of the MHIS’ could draw up a policy derived from the national policy to suite and meet their specific needs by making the right input of ICTs, as well as train staff adequately there is no doubt that there will be major improvements in the schemes administration and thereby increase efficiency and effectiveness resulting in good quality health care administration in Ghana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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