A framework for implementation of smart card technology in public healthcare

Abstract

The proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT) in numerous public administration sectors has accelerated the transition of government departments from traditional work into work that is highly dependent on ICT. Smart Card Technology (SCT) has intrinsic benefits for a range of industries, including telecommunications, finance, transportation and the public sector in the areas of security, authentication and multi-application capabilities. Medical mistakes still occur often in public healthcare, which results in poor service. As a result, manual file systems cannot be depended upon or used and prescription errors resulting from misinformation or inconsistency regarding the dosage, allergies and interactions must be resolved. This study seeks to develop a framework for implementing SCT in public healthcare. The key factors for the application of SCT were enhanced in this study by using a conceptual framework based on the Healthcare Unified Theory of Acceptance of User Technology Model (HUTAUT) (2018), DeLone and McLean IS Success Model (2003) and Diffusion of Innovation theory (DOI) (2003). To achieve its goals, the study adopted a quantitative research methodology. Respondents were selected using the convenience sample technique. In the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, Kalafong Tertiary Hospital and Pretoria West District Hospital in South Africa's Gauteng area, 406 provided healthcare professionals self-administered questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analysis, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in this study. It was decided to validate both the model and the instrument using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Moreover, structural equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied. The quantitative study's findings identified several elements that must be considered when making decisions for SCT to be implemented in South African public hospitals. Seven hypotheses were found to be supported by the investigation, including those covering behavioural intention (H5), system use (H8), information quality (H9), communication (H12), compatibility (H13) and trialability (H14). The performance expectancy hypothesis (H2), on the other hand, was not supported because of its low reliability. Five hypotheses, however, that dealt with effort expectancy (H1), social impact (H3), facilitating conditions (H4), user pleasure (H7) and user attitude (H6) were not, for this rationale, validated in this study. These results indicated that the Department of Health and other stakeholders' choice to apply SCT in public healthcare is significantly influenced by behavioural intention, system quality, system use, information quality, compatibility, communication and trialability. This study explores SCT’s potential application in public healthcare. In addition, the Department of Health should increase the usage of SCT in public hospitals throughout all provinces where healthcare reforms are urgently required. This could be addressed by healthcare professionals within public healthcare by using elements for the implementation of SCT acquired from the study. The study intends to assist with the implementation of smart card technology, which would increase and improve the standard of healthcare service delivery in South African public hospitals.