Effect of Health Information Technology on the Efficiency and Quality of Healthcare Delivery in Sierra Leone: A Case Study of Connaught Hospital

The Ebola outbreak (2014–2016) and the COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious deficiencies in Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector, particularly in the use of information technology for patient data management. Most hospitals still rely on manual systems, leaving records vulnerable to damage or loss. This study investigates how Health Information Technology (HIT) influences efficiency and quality of care delivery at Connaught Hospital in Freetown. The research explores the state of patient record management, the role of policies in promoting HIT, and the impact of medical technologies on service delivery. Data was collected from 50 participants, including doctors, nurses, community health officers, and patients, through interviews and questionnaires. The findings highlight the urgent need for digital health systems to improve patient safety, reduce medical errors, and strengthen healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.