Moderating Effect of Mobile Technology on the Relationship Between Health Systems Governance and Service Delivery in National Referral Hospitals in Kenya

Abstract

In recent years, there is an increased attention to build formidable health systems governance to promote the highest attainable standard of health service delivery which has become a fundamental part of our human rights and of our understanding of a life in dignity. The health systems governance through the establishment of health policy has taken on increasing importance in the provision of health care services in the health institutions. The public hospitals in Kenya have weak health systems governance attributed to the existing health policy affecting quality healthcare. The current study sought to examine the moderating effect of mobile technology on the relationship between health systems governance and service delivery in National Referral Hospitals in Kenya. The study was anchored to the Contingency Leadership Theory. The study identified six categories of the target respondents, namely, 5 directors, 43 board members and 88 head of departments. The study used regression analysis to analyze the association between the variables at 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that mobile technology positively and significantly moderated the relationship between health systems governance and service delivery in national referral hospitals in Kenya. The results support the current theories related to the study. Consequently, this study provides national referral hospitals with insights of how to improve health care service delivery through the adoption of appropriate mobile technology and health systems governance in the national referral hospitals. This could go a long way in ensuring there is improved service delivery in the national referral hospitals in Kenya. The implications of the study are that the moderating effect of mobile technology on the relationship between health systems governance and healthcare service delivery in Kenyan hospitals can lead to positive outcomes such as improved communication, data management, and patient-centered care. However, it also presents challenges that need to be carefully addressed through appropriate governance mechanisms. The successful integration of mobile technology requires a comprehensive and adaptive approach to healthcare governance in the national referral hospitals in the country.