• The research involved 3,400 patient-facing healthcare practitioners, including doctors and nurses.
• The survey shows a strong demand for better technological solutions.
Inefficient printing technology is causing significant productivity losses in the healthcare settings, a new study shows.
The research involved 3,400 patient-facing healthcare practitioners, including doctors and nurses, and has shed light on the severe impact of slow or non-functioning printers.
It was conducted by the Global Technology Company Epson across Africa, the Middle East and Europe last year and findings were released early this year.
“Seventy-nine per cent of Kenyan healthcare professionals acknowledge the substantial time wasted due to inadequate printers, with little to no improvement measures in place," Epson's regional head for East and West Africa Mukesh Bector said during the release of the findings.
"Moreover, about 95 per cent of respondents noted that such delays adversely affect various aspects of healthcare delivery, including information sharing, updating patient records and scheduling appointments.”
The findings were released on Wednesday at Hyatt Regency Hotel Westlands.
With healthcare systems already grappling with staffing shortages and burgeoning waiting lists, the findings highlight a critical yet often overlooked area of concern.
Despite these challenges, the survey shows a strong demand for better technological solutions, with 89 per cent of healthcare workers advocating enhanced IT support to minimise time wastage.
Ninety per cent of Kenyan respondents and 89 per cent overall believe that investing in more efficient printing technology is imperative.
Additionally, the environmental impact of outdated printing technology has not gone unnoticed.
A significant 80 per cent of participants from the surveyed regions express personal concern over the sustainability of non-eco-friendly printers, with 75 per cent of Kenyan healthcare workers emphasising its importance to their organisations.
Mukesh said, “This study highlights a critical link between technology and healthcare efficiency that cannot be ignored. By transitioning to more advanced, maintenance-free printing solutions, healthcare facilities can greatly enhance productivity and patient care."
He said the company is keen to be carbon-negative by 2050.
Mukesh said the company will continue putting more resources into research and development to continue being innovative.
“We are allocating $1.3 million per day in research and development,” he said.
Epson Europe James Osborne said, "Healthcare leaders and IT managers must respond to these findings by upgrading their printing infrastructure, thus supporting better patient outcomes and operational efficiency."
Dr Lucy Mutara from Astra Dental Clinic said the new printing technology has helped cut the printing costs.
“We have installed solar panels and we are now 90 per cent powered by solar. Using solar energy for our daily needs fits our policy SDG 7 on sustainable energy,” she said.
Mutara said her organisation is committed to moving to solar power for their mobile dental clinics.