Browsing by Subject "Adoption"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Examining factors affecting blockchain adoption for process improvement in the financial services industry
    (2022) Luthuli, Sandisa Zizipho; Kyobe, Michael
    The focus on blockchain, thus far, has been mainly on its technicalities and less on the institutional complexities that impede its successful implementation in originations. Industries like supply chain for instance, present many issues of inefficiencies, fraud and processes which may be non-technological but still pose serious adoption challenges. Certain industries, including the financial services, banking, and supply chain, do not properly understand blockchain as a technology due to its immaturity. Furthermore, the purpose concerning the application of blockchain technology for business process improvement remains unclear. There is still opportunity within the research field to determine the visible gaps in the literature regarding the impact of using blockchain technology. A review of the literature used for this study found that using blockchain technology has promising capabilities that may improve business processes within organizations. While research on blockchain in the financial services industry is in its infancy, there are no comprehensive frameworks to guide blockchain adoption and implementation. The examinations of the different theories led to the development of an integrative framework that would help examine key factors that affect blockchain technology adoption for process improvement in the financial services industry. This was done following careful synthesis of the Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic and Political (STEEP) and the Process, Institutional, Market and Technology (PIMT) frameworks. The study adopted a quantitative method using a quantitative survey tool to test the key factors identified by the conceptual model developed. Data was collected through an online survey within IT departments of two financial services companies, with the target audience comprising of IT professionals resulting in 72 respondents having participated. This study followed an exploratory approach where existing literature was examined to understand what, how and why the identified key factors affect the adoption of blockchain technology. Furthermore, deductive reasoning was adopted as existing theoretical frameworks were identified to test the existing theory around the adoption of blockchain technology. The philosophical stances taken in this study follow that of positivism and objectivism. Through factor analysis path, the research revealed that the combined effect of Institutional factors have a perfect positive correlation with blockchain technology adoption with the most influential factor being money laundering. Although found to be insignificant, the most influential factors on environmental factors are the ability for blockchain technology to cater for sensitive personal information, confidentiality in blockchain technology, and privacy concerns. The results, however, lack tangible evidence to show that organizations deal with sensitive personal information which blockchain technology cannot cater for. This is a barrier to blockchain technology's full adoption in the financial services sector. As a consequence of these factors on the adoption of blockchain technology, financial services sector companies have adopted blockchain technology initiatives. To that end, empirical evidence from the research shows that regulatory uncertainty prevents financial services companies from adopting blockchain technology.
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    Health care provider perspectives on pregnancy and parenting in HIV-positive individuals in South Africa
    (BioMed Central, 2014-09-12) Moodley, Jennifer; Cooper, Diane; Mantell, Joanne E; Stern, Erin
    Background: Within the health system, limited attention is given to supporting the fertility and parenting desires on HIV-positive people. In this study, we explore health care providers’ knowledge and perspectives on safer conception and alternate parenting strategies for HIV-positive people. Methods Between November 2007 and January 2008, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 health care workers involved in providing HIV and/or antiretroviral services at public sector clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Views on sexual and reproductive health services, pregnancy, childbearing and parenting in HIV-positive men and women were explored using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Providers recognized the sexual and reproductive rights of HIV-positive individuals, but struggled with the tension between supporting these rights and concerns about spreading infection. Limited knowledge of safer conception methods constrained their ability to counsel and support clients in realizing fertility desires. Providers believed that parenting alternatives that do not maintain biological and cultural linkage are unlikely to be acceptable options. Conclusions: Health care provider training and support is critical to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and meeting the fertility desires of HIV-positive people.
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    Implementation outcomes of a health systems strengthening intervention for perinatal women with common mental disorders and experiences of domestic violence in South Africa: Pilot feasibility and acceptability study
    (2022-05-13) Abrahams, Zulfa; Jacobs, Yuche; Mohlamonyane, Mbali; Boisits, Sonet; Schneider, Marguerite; Honikman, Simone; Seward, Nadine; Lund, Crick
    Background South Africa has a high burden of perinatal common mental disorders (CMD), such as depression and anxiety, as well as high levels of poverty, food insecurity and domestic violence, which increases the risk of CMD. Yet public healthcare does not include routine detection and treatment for these disorders. This pilot study aims to evaluate the implementation outcomes of a health systems strengthening (HSS) intervention for improving the quality of care of perinatal women with CMD and experiences of domestic violence, attending public healthcare facilities in Cape Town. Methods Three antenatal care facilities were purposively selected for delivery of a HSS programme consisting of four components: (1) health promotion and awareness raising talks delivered by lay healthcare workers; (2) detection of CMD and domestic violence by nurses as part of routine care; (3) referral of women with CMD and domestic violence; and (4) delivery of structured counselling by lay healthcare workers in patients’ homes. Participants included healthcare workers tasked with delivery of the HSS components, and perinatal women attending the healthcare facilities for routine antenatal care. This mixed methods study used qualitative interviews with healthcare workers and pregnant women, a patient survey, observation of health promotion and awareness raising talks, and a review of several documents, to evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, fidelity of delivery, and fidelity of receipt of the HSS components. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative interviews, while the quantitative findings for adoption and fidelity of receipt were reported using numbers and proportions. Results Healthcare workers found the delivery and content of the HSS components to be both acceptable and appropriate, while the feasibility, adoption and fidelity of delivery was poor. We demonstrated that the health promotion and awareness raising component improved women’s attitudes towards seeking help for mental health conditions. The detection, referral and treatment components were found to improve fidelity of receipt, evidenced by an increase in the proportion of women undergoing routine detection and referral, and decreased feelings of distress in women who received counselling. However, using a task-sharing approach did not prove to be feasible, as adding additional responsibilities to already overburdened healthcare workers roles resulted in poor fidelity of delivery and adoption of all the HSS components. Conclusions The acceptability, appropriateness and fidelity of receipt of the HSS programme components, and poor feasibility, fidelity of delivery and adoption suggest the need to appoint dedicated, lay healthcare workers to deliver key programme components, at healthcare facilities, on the same day.
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    Lack of adoption of electronic Medical Records Systems in developing countries. A case study of Zimbabwe
    (2019) Mhembere, Taurai Brian; Kabanda, Salah
    This study explored the phenomenon of electronic medical records systems in Zimbabwean primary healthcare institutions. The goal of the study was to investigate the lack of adoption of electronic medical records systems by primary healthcare institutions in developing countries using an interpretative case study approach focusing on the Zimbabwean context. Despite the positive benefits that are associated with EMRs, developing countries have been reluctant in implementing this technology within their primary healthcare institutions. A number of studies have been conducted on EMR systems but only a few have investigated the reasons for the limited use of EMR technology in developing countries particularly within the Zimbabwean context. This study primarily adopted a case study approach and was qualitative in nature. The study made use of in-depth interviews to obtain its data, and purposive sampling method was used to identify participants for the study. The study made use of a sample size of fourteen respondents who were identified based on their knowledge and could assist explore this particular topic relevant to the research. The targeted population for this research were key staff members privy to patients’ medical records management within the primary healthcare facilities. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis soon after the transcription process. The results of the study show that EMRs technology in Zimbabwe has been implemented on a limited scale within its public hospitals. The technology is being used mostly in HIV/AIDS management or in particular departments. The study reveals that although healthcare institutions in Zimbabwe have adopted EMRs technology, most of the information is still being archived on the paper based system. The findings of the study show that Zimbabwe hasn’t adopted EMRs due to challenges such as lack of proper infrastructures, resistance in the use of EMRs, remoteness, shortages in skilled labour and concerns of confidentiality and privacy. Furthermore, the study shows that though the application of the EMR system is limited in Zimbabwean hospitals, the study found that its benefits have been noticeable. EMR technology has made it easy to access information, averted redundant expenditure and has made time improvements. However, the study revealed that EMR systems come with their own shortcomings such as lack of access to patient documents due to network faults and the need for familiarity with computer systems.
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    Positive attitudes toward adoption of a multi-component intervention strategy aimed at improving HIV outcomes among adolescents and young people in Nampula, Mozambique: perspectives of HIV care providers
    (2023-06-06) Mogoba, Phepo; Lesosky, Maia; Mukonda, Elton E.; Zerbe, Allison; Falcao, Joana; Zandamela, Ricardino; Myer, Landon; Abrams, Elaine J.
    Background Service providers' attitudes toward interventions are essential for adopting and implementing novel interventions into healthcare settings, but evidence of evaluations in the HIV context is still limited. This study is part of the CombinADO cluster randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04930367), which is investigating the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention package (CombinADO strategy) aimed at improving HIV outcomes among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYAHIV) in Mozambique. In this paper we present findings on key stakeholder attitudes toward adopting study interventions into local health services. Methods Between September and December 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with a purposive sample of 59 key stakeholders providing and overseeing HIV care among AYAHIV in 12 health facilities participating in the CombinADO trial, who completed a 9-item scale on attitudes towards adopting the trial intervention packages in health facilities. Data were collected in the pre-implementation phase of the study and included individual stakeholder and facility-level characteristics. We used generalized linear regression to examine the associations of stakeholder attitude scores with stakeholder and facility-level characteristics. Results Overall, service-providing stakeholders within this setting reported positive attitudes regarding adopting intervention packages across study clinic sites; the overall mean total attitude score was 35.0 ([SD] = 2.59, Range = [30–41]). The study package assessed (control or intervention condition) and the number of healthcare workers delivering ART care in participating clinics were the only significant explanatory variables to predict higher attitude scores among stakeholders (β = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.34–2.80, p = 0.01 and β = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.06–3.08, p = 0.04 respectively). Conclusions This study found positive attitudes toward adopting the multi-component CombinADO study interventions among HIV care providers for AYAHIV in Nampula, Mozambique. Our findings suggest that adequate training and human resource availability may be important in promoting the adoption of novel multi-component interventions in healthcare services by influencing healthcare provider attitudes.
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    A scoping review examining the integration of exercise services in clinical oncology settings
    (2022-02-21) Ezenwankwo, Elochukwu F; Nnate, Daniel A; Usoro, Godspower D; Onyeso, Chimdimma P; Anieto, Ijeoma B; Ibeneme, Sam C; Albertus, Yumna; Lambert, Victoria E; Ezeukwu, Antoninus O; Abaraogu, Ukachukwu O; Shamley, Delva
    Background Addressing questions surrounding the feasibility of embedding exercise service units in clinical oncology settings is imperative for developing a sustainable exercise-oncology clinical pathway. We examined available literature and offered practical recommendations to support evidence-based practice, policymaking, and further investigations. Methods Four thousand eight hundred sixty-three unique records identified in Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and ProQuest (Health and Medicine) were screened for studies that recruited cancer patients, assessed the co-location of exercise service and cancer treatment units, and reported findings on service implementation. Evidence from six studies providing data from over 30 programs was integrated using narrative synthesis. Results Service implementation was relatively modest across the included studies. Exercise services were delivered by physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and kinesiologists and funded mainly through grants and private donations, with staff salaries accruing as the major expense. Service penetration, adoption, and acceptability were generally low. However, studies recorded high clinician/patient satisfaction. Major barriers to service integration were limited funding, lack of detailed implementation plan, and low organizational buy-in. Common reasons for non-utilization, missed sessions, and dropouts were lack of interest, unwellness, hospital readmission, disease progression, and adverse skeletal events. Conclusion Implementing exercise services in clinical oncology settings seems an effective approach for increasing access to exercise-based rehabilitation for individuals on cancer treatment. While this model appears feasible for patients/clinicians, efforts are required to optimize service integration both in the short and long term. Key priorities include seeking [local] actions to address issues relating to funding and organizational buy-in. Important considerations may include developing an implementation plan to guide the implementation process, expanding the patient core management team to include staff from the exercise rehabilitation unit, and exploring the role of patient feedback in increasing clinician participation (e.g., treating oncologists and nurses) in the referral process. Future research should consider effective strategies to promote patients’ sense of self-efficacy and behavioral control and, further, the place of audit and feedback in improving exercise service delivery and overall service implementation.
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    The readiness of the agricultural sector to adopt the internet of things: a case of Western Cape, South Africa
    (2025) Soeker, Inaam; Chigona, Wallace; Lusinga, Shallen
    Background: Food scarcity arising from climate change has garnered widespread recognition as a critical global concern, necessitating serious attention. Far-reaching impacts of climate change extend across dimensions such as the environment, technology, policy, and societal progress. Among these dimensions, the implications for food production within the agricultural sector is significant. With the expanding global population, the demand for agricultural output intensifies, exerting unprecedented pressure on the industry to meet this growing need. As a result, the agricultural sector is confronted with the imperative to transition towards sustainable farming practices to enhance overall productivity. Amid this imperative, the integration of technology, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), emerges as an indispensable solution. Extensive research demonstrates that IoT implementation in agriculture yields manifold benefits, including enhanced food production, increased productivity, and bolstered sustainability. Moreover, IoT equips farmers with tools to navigate the complex challenges posed by climate change and food scarcity, ensuring their competitiveness and profitability. However, a pivotal consideration is the readiness of the agricultural sector to implement IoT. Purpose of the Research: Despite the considerable potential gains, the readiness of the South African agricultural sector to adopt IoT remains a less-explored area. This study aims to address this gap by examining the landscape of IoT adoption readiness within the context of the South African agricultural sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: To evaluate readiness to adopt IoT, a qualitative research method was adopted in this research and an analysis was methodically employed. This multifaceted analysis approach encompassed distinct dimensions— political, environmental, social, and technological (PEST). Each dimension was assessed to ascertain its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), in the context of IoT integration within the agricultural sector. This systematic PEST-SWOT analysis culminated in positioning the readiness of the agricultural sector in South Africa. Findings: The findings of this study unveil a notable duality in South Africa's developmental landscape. This dichotomy becomes apparent through the coexistence of both developed and developing facets. This division manifests in distinct states. On the one hand, the developed portion of the agricultural sector exhibit a tangible readiness for IoT adoption. On the other hand, the developing portion encounter barriers that necessitate comprehensive mitigation of inherent weaknesses and threats resulting in its unpreparedness for adopting IoT. This division closely mirrors the distinction between the commercial and SME sectors, embodying the readiness of the developed state and lack of readiness in the developing state, respectively. This inherent dichotomy, rooted in historical challenges, underscores the urgency for holistic resolutions. Overall, the findings suggest that the South African agricultural sector is not ready for IoT adoption. Practical Implications: The practical implication of this research underscores the vital need for tailored strategies that bridge the readiness gap between the developed and developing portion of the agricultural sector. Addressing the distinctive challenges faced by each portion, particularly considering their historical contexts, will be instrumental in fostering a cohesive and synchronised path towards embracing IoT. Originality/Contribution: The contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of readiness to adopt IoT within the South African agricultural sector. By employing a multi-dimensional PEST-SWOT analysis, this research not only sheds light on the nuanced landscape of IoT adoption but also positions the readiness of the Western Cape's agricultural sector in a holistic context. This approach offers a unique lens through which to understand the intricate challenges and opportunities that IoT adoption presents in this critical sector.
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    Understanding the structured processes followed by organisations prior to engaging in agile processes: A South African Perspective
    (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2012) Noruwana, Nimrod; Tanner, Maureen
    There appears to be a lack of knowledge on the phases South African (SA) organisations go through while adopting agile methods. As a means to address this gap, this study uncovered empirical evidence on the phases SA organisations go through whilst adopting agile methods as well as the disparities between agile prescriptions and the way SA organisations actually implement agile methods. The data collected using a case study approach was analysed through the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT). The results reveal that there is no structured process for adopting agile methods and organisations go through various phases in their attempts to adopt agile methods. During the various phases, organisations face challenges which are culture as well as people related. Through this study South African practitioners could now be aware that before adopting an agile methodology, there has to be a common understanding of the problems at hand and the envisioned solution. The findings also inform aspiring adopters in South Africa that adoption of the methods does not have to be as prescribed. They are free to adopt only those aspects the organisations need most.