The effect of big data analytics on clinical and management decisions in healthcare facilities in Ghana, West Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of big data analytics on clinical and management decisions in Ghanaian healthcare facilities focusing on the Ga West Municipal Hospital (GWMH), Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), and Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital (WGMH) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. This study employed a qualitative research design to analyze the
effect of big data analytics on clinical and management decisions in Ghanaian healthcare facilities. The study adopted the DOI as the framework to guide the study. The study used a purposive sampling technique to select fifteen (15) participants for interviews using an interview guide with open-ended questions. Primary data was gathered through these interviews and field notes and then analyzed via thematic content analysis. The study found that the selected hospitals in Ghana primarily use EHRs for data collection and storage, with varying levels of utilization for decisionmaking. It also found positive impacts on clinical practice through EHR access, but some challenges. Additionally, it found varying approaches to data security and compliance among hospitals. The study further found that EHRs transform healthcare data management while
challenges remain regarding data integration, resources, and security. The study concluded that while EHRs improved data collection and storage in Ghanaian hospitals, underutilization of data for decision-making remains an issue.