1.1 Introduction
Online healthcare system is a digital platform that facilitates healthcare services over the internet, including telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), appointment scheduling, and patient-provider communication (Eysenbach, 2001). The advent of the internet and advances in information technology has revolutionized many sectors, including healthcare. The design and implementation of online healthcare systems have become crucial in improving access to medical services, enhancing patient care, and reducing healthcare costs. An online healthcare system provides a platform where patients can interact with healthcare providers, access medical records, schedule appointments, and receive virtual consultations.
One of the primary motivations for developing online healthcare systems is to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially in remote and underserved areas. According to a study by Smith et al. (2020), online healthcare systems have significantly reduced the time and cost associated with accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural regions. Additionally, these systems offer a centralized database for patient information, enabling more efficient management and retrieval of medical records.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The history of online healthcare systems can be traced back to the late 20th century when advancements in information technology began to influence the healthcare sector. Initially, healthcare informatics focused on the digitalization of medical records and the use of computer systems to manage patient information. This period marked the beginning of a transformation that would later lead to the development of comprehensive online healthcare systems.
One of the earliest milestones in this evolution was the introduction of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the 1960s and 1970s. According to Collen (1995), the development of EHRs was driven by the need to improve the accuracy and accessibility of patient data, which was traditionally recorded on paper and prone to errors and inefficiencies. The implementation of EHRs laid the foundation for more integrated and sophisticated healthcare information systems.
The 1990s saw the emergence of telemedicine, which utilized telecommunications technology to provide clinical health care from a distance. This innovation was particularly beneficial for patients in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities. A landmark project during this period was NASA’s telemedicine program, which provided healthcare services to astronauts and demonstrated the feasibility of remote medical consultations (Darkins & Cary, 2000).
In the 2010s, advancements in mobile technology and cloud computing further propelled the development of online healthcare systems. Mobile health (mHealth) applications became popular, allowing patients to monitor their health conditions and communicate with healthcare providers using their smartphones. Cloud-based solutions enabled the storage and processing of large volumes of health data, facilitating more efficient and scalable healthcare services (Ventola, 2014). With the advent of the internet in the mid-1990s, the potential for online healthcare systems expanded significantly. The proliferation of the World Wide Web made it possible to develop platforms that could support a wide range of healthcare services, from patient education to online consultations. According to Eysenbach (2001), the early 2000s witnessed the growth of e-health, which encompassed various online services aimed at improving health care delivery and patient engagement.
Historically, healthcare delivery has been confined to physical interactions within medical facilities. However, the limitations of this approach have become more evident, particularly in remote and underserved areas. According to Gupta and Das (2018), traditional healthcare systems often fail to meet the needs of populations in rural regions due to a lack of infrastructure and medical professionals. The disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas has prompted the exploration of digital solutions to bridge this gap.
Online healthcare systems offer a promising solution by enabling remote consultations, electronic health records (EHRs), and telemedicine services. These systems facilitate real-time communication between patients and healthcare providers, thus reducing the need for physical visits. As highlighted by Kumar et al. (2020), the integration of EHRs within online healthcare systems enhances the accuracy and efficiency of patient data management, leading to better clinical outcomes.
The challenges encountered that led to the execution of the research work is that; the integration with existing healthcare infrastructure poses another challenge. Many healthcare providers already use various systems for managing patient records, scheduling, and communication. As highlighted by Kuperman et al. (2018), integrating a new online healthcare system with these existing systems can be complex and require significant resources and coordination. This integration is necessary to ensure seamless operation and avoid disruptions in healthcare delivery. It is against the background that the developments of this software will supports better resource management and operational efficiency.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the design and implementation of an online healthcare system face several critical challenges that need to be addressed to ensure successful adoption and effectiveness. One of the foremost issues is the digital divide, which refers to the gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. According to van Dijk (2020), this divide can significantly hinder the widespread adoption of online healthcare systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas where internet access and digital literacy are limited.
Another major problem is ensuring the security and privacy of patient data. Healthcare information is highly sensitive, and breaches can have severe consequences for individuals and healthcare providers. As noted by Zhang et al. (2019), online healthcare systems are prime targets for cyber attacks, and robust security measures are necessary to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access. This includes implementing advanced encryption methods, secure authentication protocols, and continuous monitoring for potential threats.
Usability is also a significant concern in the design of online healthcare systems. If the system is not user-friendly, patients and healthcare providers may be reluctant to use it. According to Davis and Yen (2019), the complexity of the interface and the user experience plays a crucial role in the acceptance and effectiveness of online healthcare platforms. Ensuring that the system is intuitive and accessible for users of all ages and technical proficiency levels is essential for its success.
Moreover, regulatory and compliance issues present additional hurdles. Healthcare is a highly regulated industry, and any online system must comply with local, national, and international regulations regarding patient data protection, telemedicine, and medical record management. According to Butler (2020), navigating these regulatory landscapes can be complex and time-consuming, requiring thorough understanding and meticulous implementation of compliance measures.
Finally, the issue of equitable access and inclusivity must be addressed. There is a risk that online healthcare systems may inadvertently exclude certain populations, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, or individuals with low socio-economic status. As stated by Clark et al. (2021), designing systems that are inclusive and accessible to all potential users is critical to ensure that the benefits of online healthcare are widely distributed and do not exacerbate existing disparities in healthcare access.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to design and implement an online health care system. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out as follows to:
- Develop an application that will enable the care providers search and browse medical patient record without delay.
- Store patient medical file record in a database that will enable care providers to be able to locate patient files in the health facility.
- Reduce the time spent by staff filling out forms, freeing resources for more critical tasks.
- Ensure data integrity and provide a database for future statistical and management reporting.
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- For Patients, the online healthcare system significantly improves access to medical services, especially for those in remote or underserved areas. It allows patients to easily schedule appointments, access their medical records, and receive virtual consultations, reducing the need for travel and minimizing wait times.
- Healthcare Providers benefit from enhanced efficiency and streamlined workflows. The system allows for better management of patient information through electronic health records (EHRs), which can lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Additionally, telemedicine capabilities enable providers to extend their reach and offer care to more patients.
- Policy Makers and Regulatory Bodies find value in the system’s ability to ensure data privacy and security, complying with local, national, and international regulations. The system’s analytics and reporting capabilities can also provide valuable insights for healthcare policy development and resource allocation.
- For Technology Developers and IT Professionals, the development and maintenance of the online healthcare system present opportunities for innovation and employment. The system requires continuous improvement in areas such as cybersecurity, user interface design, and integration with emerging technologies, driving technological advancements in the healthcare sector.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Design and Implementation of an Online Health Care System. The study covers only the healthcare information data system duties in ESUT Teaching Hospital.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The study on the "Design and Implementation of an Online Health Care System" has several limitations that must be considered. One significant limitation is the digital divide, where disparities in internet access and digital literacy can hinder the widespread adoption of the system, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Ensuring that all potential users have the necessary technology and skills to use the system effectively remains a challenge.
Another limitation is related to data security and privacy concerns. Despite implementing advanced security measures, the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches cannot be entirely eliminated. Ensuring the continuous protection of sensitive patient information requires ongoing vigilance and updates to security protocols.
Usability issues also present a challenge. Designing a system that is intuitive and accessible for users with varying levels of technical proficiency can be difficult. If the system is not user-friendly, patients and healthcare providers may be reluctant to use it, which could undermine its effectiveness and adoption.
Integration with existing healthcare infrastructure is another potential limitation. The complexity and variability of existing systems across different healthcare providers can make seamless integration difficult. This could result in operational inefficiencies or disruptions in healthcare delivery during the transition period.
Regulatory and compliance issues add another layer of complexity. Navigating the diverse regulatory requirements across different regions and ensuring the system complies with all relevant standards can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Failure to meet these requirements could lead to legal and financial repercussions.
Finally, the system's reliance on stable internet connectivity poses a limitation. In areas with poor or unstable internet connections, the functionality and reliability of the online healthcare system could be compromised, affecting the quality and continuity of care provided to patients.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Online Healthcare System:
A digital platform that facilitates healthcare services over the internet, including telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), appointment scheduling, and patient-provider communication (Eysenbach, 2001).
Telemedicine:
The practice of using telecommunications technology to provide clinical healthcare services from a distance. This includes video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health applications (Darkins & Cary, 2000).
Electronic Health Records (EHRs):
Digital versions of patients' paper charts that provide real-time, patient-centered records accessible to authorized users. EHRs contain patients' medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results (Collen, 1995).
Digital Divide:
It is the gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. This divide can affect the adoption and effectiveness of online healthcare systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas (van Dijk, 2020).
Cyber Security:
It is the measures taken to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or damage. in the context of online healthcare systems, cybersecurity is crucial for safeguarding sensitive patient information (Zhang et al., 2019).
Usability:
Is the ease with which users can effectively and efficiently interact with a system or product. For online healthcare systems, usability involves creating an intuitive and accessible interface for both patients and healthcare providers (Davis & Yen, 2019).
Integration:
It is the process of combining or coordinating different systems and components to work together effectively. In online healthcare systems, integration refers to the seamless connection of the new system with existing healthcare infrastructure and electronic systems (Kuperman et al., 2018).
Regulatory Compliance:
It refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to an industry. In healthcare, this includes data protection laws, telemedicine regulations, and standards for medical record management (Butler, 2020).
