Assessing the Training Gaps and Support Needs of Healthcare Providers Regarding the Effective Use of Electronic Community Health Information System in Awendo and Nyatike Sub Counties, Migori County, Kenya Based on TAM Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhmnp.3433Keywords:
Electronic Community Health Information Systems, Health Care Providers, Training Gaps, Support Needs, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Digital HealthAbstract
Purpose: The effective implementation of Electronic Community Health Information Systems (e-CHIS) in low-resource settings is critically dependent on the digital proficiency of healthcare providers. This study investigated the training gaps and support needs that influence e-CHIS adoption in Migori County, Kenya.
Methodology: A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, collecting quantitative data from 357 healthcare providers via a structured survey, with data analyzed using descriptive/inferential statistics and bivariate correlation in SPSS. This was complemented by qualitative insights from 14 key informant interviews and 25 focus group discussions, which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic and content analysis.
Findings: While analysis revealed near-universal training coverage (96.4%) and high ratings of training quality (94.2% good/excellent), significant implementation barriers persisted. A striking 85.2% of health care providers experienced technical challenges while 91.6% reported technical infrastructure as a major barrier. Furthermore, a pronounced disparity in access to technical support was found between sub-counties (Awendo 59.7% vs. Nyatike 85.0%). TAM analysis confirmed a strong correlation between Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness (r=0.870, p<0.001), validating the model's core premise. However, a critical and unexpected finding emerged: technical skill level showed a non-significant negative correlation with Perceived Usefulness (r=-0.019, p=0.715), challenging conventional assumptions that digital literacy directly translates to system appreciation.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study concludes that despite high training coverage, a fundamental disconnect exists between training efforts and sustainable system adoption, driven by systemic infrastructure and support limitations. These findings necessitate a theoretical refinement of technology acceptance models for resource-constrained contexts and recommend a strategic shift from one-time training to integrated, continuous support and context-sensitive implementation strategies to unlock the full potential of digital health tools.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jacinter Atieno Odira, Collins Ouma, Sebit Musthafa
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