PERSONAL LOSS INSPIRES RESEARCH INTO DIGITAL HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS FOR RURAL EASTERN CAPE

The death of a family member became the catalyst for a research journey that would see Walter Sisulu academic, Dr Nomputumo Ngesimani, investigate one of rural healthcare's most pressing challenges - the effective use of digital technology to improve patient care.

For Ngesimani, a lecturer in the university’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT), the loss prompted difficult questions about healthcare service delivery in underserved communities and inspired a commitment to finding evidence-based solutions through research.

“The loss of my family member highlighted potential gaps in healthcare service delivery and prompted me to reflect on how healthcare facilities in rural settings operate under constrained conditions,” she said.

This personal experience laid the foundation for her doctoral study, titled “The Impact of Digital Technology on Healthcare Facilities in a South African Eastern Cape Rural Environment”, which examined the realities facing clinics, community health centres and rural hospitals across the province.

The research explored how digital systems are used in healthcare settings and the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. While digital technologies are designed to improve efficiency, patient management, and access to healthcare services, Ngesimani found that many rural facilities continue to face significant challenges.

“These challenges make it difficult for healthcare workers to use digital systems effectively, leading to delays in patient care and reduced access to essential health services for rural communities,” she said.

Among the key obstacles identified were poor internet connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and insufficient training and technical support for healthcare professionals.

Despite these challenges, the study revealed that digital technologies hold significant promise for strengthening healthcare delivery in rural areas. Improved data management, faster information processing, and more efficient communication systems were identified as important benefits that could enhance patient outcomes and support healthcare workers.

The research also uncovered operational challenges linked to unreliable connectivity, including system backlogs, duplicated records, and the potential loss of critical patient information.

One of the study's most significant contributions was the identification of what Ngesimani termed Digital Health Enablers (DHEs), a combination of formal infrastructure solutions and practical local innovations that support the successful use of digital technology in resource-constrained healthcare environments.

Significantly, the findings also align closely with Walter Sisulu’s strategic focus on health, technology, sustainability, and digital innovation, while addressing a challenge that directly affects the well-being of rural communities.

Ngesimani made another stern assertion, stating that meaningful progress will require coordinated action from policymakers and healthcare stakeholders.

“The study highlights the need for policymakers to prioritise the development of comprehensive digital health policies that address infrastructure limitations and connectivity challenges in rural settings,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ngesimani intends to continue advancing research in digital health, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.

“Building on my doctoral research on digital health in rural settings, I intend to continue publishing in this area and contributing to curriculum development related to digital health,” she said.

By Thando Cezula