Author/Authors :
Durrani, H. Aga Khan University - Department of Community Health Sciences, Pakistan , Khoja, S. Aga Khan University - Department of Community Health Sciences, Pakistan , Khoja, S. University of Calgary - Department of Community Health Sciences, Canada , Naseem, A. Aga Khan University - Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan , Scott, R.E. University of Calgary - Faculty of Medicine - Global eHealth Research and Training Programme, Canada , Gul, A. Aga Khan University - Information Technology Division, Pakistan , Jan, R. Aga Khan University - Schoolof Nursing, Pakistan
Abstract :
This study assessed the need and readiness of health care institutions in Kabul and Bamyan, Afghanistan for successful implementation of information and communication technology in health care (eHealth). A mixed methods design was adopted at 2 institutions in the Aga Khan Development Network in Afghanistan: the French Medical Institute for Children in Kabul and Bamyan Provincial Hospital, Bamyan. Information for the needs assessment was obtained from interviews and focus groups and eHealth readiness was assessed using a validated survey tool. The needs of institutions in the Aga Khan Development Network in Afghanistan were categorized as follows: provision of care needs; learning needs; and information management needs. eHealth readiness on average was lower in Bamyan compared with Kabul in all areas of the readiness assessment. Other institutions in Afghanistan may benefit from adopting the model of needs and readiness assessment used for Aga Khan Development Network institutions.
