Exploring the Collaborative Roles of Health Sciences and Technology in Achieving Good Health and Well-being for Sustainable National Development in a Developing Economy.
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to explore the collaborative roles of health sciences and technology in achieving good health and well-being for sustainable national development in a developing economy. Specifically, the study aims to:
- Investigate the current landscape of health challenges faced by the population of the developing economy under study.
- Examine existing initiatives and interventions at the intersection of health sciences and technology within the context of developing economies.
- Assess the impact of collaborative efforts between health sciences and technology on improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, quality, and equity in the target developing economy.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Healthcare Delivery
Healthcare delivery encompasses the entire process of providing medical care to individuals and communities. It involves a complex system of organizations, professionals, technologies, and resources aimed at promoting health, preventing illness, diagnosing and treating diseases, and improving overall well-being.
Primary care serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services and is crucial for promoting preventive care and early intervention. It encompasses a wide range of services, including health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), strong primary care systems are associated with better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs (WHO, 2021).
Specialized care involves services provided by healthcare professionals with advanced training and expertise in specific medical fields. This includes services such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and many others. Specialized care often requires advanced diagnostic tools, treatments, and procedures tailored to address complex medical conditions (Schoen et al., 2020).
Hospitals play a critical role in healthcare delivery by providing acute care services for patients with serious medical conditions or injuries. They offer a wide range of medical, surgical, and diagnostic services, including emergency care, intensive care, and specialized treatments. Hospitals also serve as hubs for medical education, research, and innovation (American Hospital Association, 2021).
Telemedicine and digital health technologies have transformed healthcare delivery by enabling remote consultations, monitoring, and treatment. These technologies allow healthcare providers to deliver care to patients regardless of geographical barriers, improving access to medical services, especially in underserved areas. Telemedicine has become particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating safe and efficient delivery of care while minimizing the risk of transmission (Smith et al., 2020).
Healthcare delivery is closely intertwined with financing mechanisms and insurance schemes that enable individuals to access medical services while managing the costs. Government-funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid in the United States, as well as private health insurance plans, play a significant role in financing healthcare services and ensuring financial protection for patients (Anderson et al., 2021).
Health information systems encompass the technologies and processes used to manage health-related data, including electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchanges (HIEs), and clinical decision support systems. These systems support healthcare delivery by facilitating the collection, storage, sharing, and analysis of patient information, leading to improved care coordination, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes (Hersh et al., 2016).
Healthcare delivery is a multifaceted process that involves various stakeholders, services, and technologies working together to promote health and well-being. By focusing on primary care, specialized services, hospital care, telemedicine, financing mechanisms, and health information systems, healthcare delivery aims to provide accessible, high-quality care to individuals and communities worldwide.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH DESIGN
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from selected staff of ministry of health in Port Harcourt, rives state in order to determine exploring the collaborative roles of health sciences and technology in achieving good health and well-being for sustainable national development in a developing economy. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) selected staff in ministry of health in Port Harcourt, Rivers state
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain exploring the collaborative roles of health sciences and technology in achieving good health and well-being for sustainable national development in a developing economy. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of exploring the collaborative roles of health sciences and technology in achieving good health and well-being for sustainable national development in a developing economy.
Summary
This study was on exploring the collaborative roles of health sciences and technology in achieving good health and well-being for sustainable national development in a developing economy. Three objectives were raised which included: Investigate the current landscape of health challenges faced by the population of the developing economy under study, examine existing initiatives and interventions at the intersection of health sciences and technology within the context of developing economies and assess the impact of collaborative efforts between health sciences and technology on improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, quality, and equity in the target developing economy. The total population for the study is 75 selected staff of ministry of health, port harcourt, Rivers state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of collaborative roles between health sciences and technology in achieving good health and well-being for sustainable national development in developing economies reveals a promising landscape of innovation, partnership, and potential impact. Through initiatives such as telemedicine, mobile health interventions, electronic health records, and innovative healthcare delivery models, collaborative efforts are reshaping healthcare systems, improving access, affordability, quality, and equity in healthcare delivery.
By leveraging the synergies between health sciences and technology, developing economies can overcome longstanding health challenges, address disparities, and advance towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). These collaborative endeavors not only contribute to improved health outcomes but also stimulate economic growth, social development, and human capital investment, laying the foundation for sustainable national development.
Recommendations
Building on the insights gleaned from this study, several recommendations emerge to further harness the potential of collaborative efforts between health sciences and technology in developing economies:
Investment in Infrastructure: Governments and stakeholders should prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure, including digital health systems, telecommunications networks, and technological infrastructure, to support the scale-up of collaborative initiatives.
Training programs and capacity-building initiatives should be expanded to equip healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage technology effectively in healthcare delivery.
Foster public-private partnerships to facilitate innovation, resource mobilization, and knowledge sharing between government entities, technology firms, academia, and civil society organizations.
Develop and implement supportive policy and regulatory frameworks that promote the adoption, integration, and sustainable use of health technologies, ensuring privacy, security, and interoperability standards are upheld.
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engage communities as active participants in the design, implementation, and evaluation of collaborative health interventions, ensuring interventions are culturally sensitive, contextually relevant, and community-driven
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