Healthcare delivery in Kenya appears to be hampered by slow and malfunctioning printers. Kenyan healthcare professionals have expressed concerns about significant productivity losses in healthcare delivery in Kenya due to inefficient printing technology, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by global Japanese tech company Epson, investigated the impact of malfunctioning printers across healthcare sectors in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The study, commissioned by Epson and carried out by independent market research agency Coleman Parkes, surveyed 3,400 healthcare workers across 28 countries between July and November 2023, including regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Epson shared the findings with Kenyan professionals during an event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi. The report revealed that 79% of healthcare workers admitted to losing substantial time due to faulty printers, with few strategies in place to address the issue.
Additionally, 95% of respondents highlighted that such delays negatively affect critical aspects of healthcare delivery in Kenya, such as sharing information, updating patient records, and scheduling appointments. The inefficiency particularly disrupts the timely updating of patient records, which is vital for maintaining accurate healthcare data.
“The study underscores the vital link between technology and the efficiency of healthcare delivery in Kenya. By transitioning to advanced, maintenance-free printing solutions, healthcare facilities can significantly improve productivity and patient care,” said Mukesh Bector, Epson’s Regional Head for East and West Africa.
James Osborne from Epson Europe stressed the need for IT departments in Kenyan healthcare organisations to take proactive steps. “Healthcare leaders and IT managers must act on these findings by upgrading their printing infrastructure to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency,” he noted.