Digitalization of healthcare in low-resourced settings: Opportunities and challenges, Qualitative study in Oromia, Ethiopia

Background Several resource-limited countries around the world have benefited from the global advancement of technologies in various sectors, including healthcare by implementing digital solutions. One of these advancements in technology is the digitalization of healthcare through electronic medical records, which plays significant role in streamlining paper-work processes. This study aims to examine the opportunities and challenges of healthcare digitalization in low-resource settings, focusing on selected facilities in the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Specifically, it explores how digital health initiatives such as electronic medical records and telemedicine affect service delivery, data management, and patient outcomes, while identifying barriers to their effective implementation. However, the adoption of digital healthcare systems in low-resource settings faces persistent challenges. These include the lack of sustainable government funding and heavy reliance on external donors, shortages of adequately trained healthcare professionals and, in some cases, resistance to adopting new technologies, the short-term and fragmented nature of many digital health initiatives, and the absence of advanced security mechanisms, particularly for remotely accessed systems that could leverage AI-based tools. Methods a qualitative approach that employed in-depth interviews and site observation in data collection from healthcare workers. MAXQDA version 2020 was used for thematic data analysis to create a pattern. Results This finding indicates that digitalization presents substantial opportunities for improving healthcare delivery in the selected facilities. The availability of supportive conditions has helped create an environment conducive to sustaining these initiatives. However, several challenges persist, many of which arise from gaps in fully realizing these opportunities and enabling conditions. Such challenges negatively influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, ultimately shaping user behavior. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring consistent system adoption, user satisfaction, and the long-term sustainability of digital healthcare systems. Conclusions The study underscores the need for a comprehensive, the involvement of several participants to effective utilize digital health in low-resourced settings, addressing data privacy concerns and requiring robust policies.