EMPOWERING HEALTH ADMINISTRATION: LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY PERSPECTIVES IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ERA

Abstract

Background: The decentralization of health administration has delegated responsibilities to district-level authorities, leading to diverse digital transformations across various regions in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Challenges related to standardizing procedures, infrastructure, and policy impede the effective delivery of services. This study examines how decentralized systems utilize adaptive strategies to enhance efficiency.

Methods: This research employs a qualitative approach to investigate the technical and organizational aspects of digital health platforms. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Data collection comprised interviews, focus group sessions, and observational activities. NVivo 14 was utilized for dual-coded analysis with triangulation, ensuring ethical compliance.

Results: A thematic analysis has identified deficiencies in the West Nusa Tenggara Province, where digital health policies have been implemented in 64% (7 out of 11 districts), and the Indonesia OneHealth platform has been utilized by 53% (5 districts) of the districts.

The finding highlights significant institutional and infrastructural inadequacies, particularly in governance coordination and technological readiness.

Conclusions: Technology plays a transformative role in digital health management. Teams integrate feedback mechanisms while management monitors key indicators. Privacy requires robust identity management. The framework evaluates digital health performance while ensuring the protection of privacy.

Originality: This study examines the digital transformation and local governance within the health administration system in a region that has been under-explored academically.

Plain language summary: In West Nusa Tenggara, 64% of districts have implemented digital policies, while 53% have adopted the One Health strategy for infrastructure development.