Formative Evaluation of the Implementation of eHealth in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background and Objective. The utilization of information and communications technology (ICT) to support health, known as eHealth, is a crucial enabler of universal healthcare. It is important to identify various aspects that could support or hinder eHealth, especially in limited-resource settings. This study determined the factors influencing the implementation of eHealth solutions in the Philippines, in consideration of the development process and initial outputs of the Philippine eHealth Strategic Framework and Plan 2014-2020. Methods. The descriptive-qualitative study was conducted among 15 municipalities/cities in the Philippines,recognized as early adopters of eHealth programs. Records review of eHealth solutions and key informant interviews among stakeholders (i.e., physicians and nurses) per study site were facilitated to gather data. Using directed content analysis, contextual, process, and content factors influencing eHealth implementation in the country were synthesized. Results. Results showed a range of eHealth solutions in the selected facilities, majority of which involved electronic medical records. Various contextual, process, and content-related factors could serve as facilitators or barriers to eHealth implementation in the country. Particularly, contextual factors include individual characteristics (ICT experience/training, organizational commitment, readiness for change), perceived need/urgency for eHealth (provisions, policies, regulatory issues), and third-party involvement for financial/technical support. Meanwhile, process-related factors involve implementation team practices, appropriate top-down and bottom-up approaches in leader/member engagement, and resource management (ICT equipment, stable internet connection, power supply). Content-specific factors mainly include the eHealth design (complexity, adaptability to local context and service demands, interoperability or the capacity to connect or exchange information with other platforms/systems). Notably, limitations across the three dimensions could make eHealth implementation more complicated, which could lead to poor time management and resource wastage. Conclusion. This study highlighted the importance of a multidimensional understanding of factors that influence the utility of eHealth in the health system. There is a need for leadership and governance, stakeholder engagement, resource and funding, implementation readiness, appropriate design of eHealth solutions, and proper training to ensure the successful implementation of eHealth in the country.