Barriers to the implementation of an improved Community Health Fund electronic claim process in primary healthcare services in Singida region of Tanzania: a qualitative inquiry.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the barriers to the implementation of the improved Community Health Fund (iCHF) electronic-claim (e-claim) process in primary healthcare services in Tanzania. A phenomenological study design using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 19 participants from Mkalama and Iramba districts. The data were collected from the regional health managers, district health managers, information technology officers, facility in-charges and iCHF focal persons from dispensaries, health centres and hospitals. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data in this study. This study identified several key barriers to the implementation of the iCHF e-claim process. The barriers include financial governance and oversight, institutional capacity for the iCHF e-claim process, staff negligence in complying with iCHF guidelines, resource availability, and logistical shortcomings for handling iCHF e-claim processes. The iCHF e-claim process is inadequately implemented and does not attract healthcare workers due to the observed challenges. There is a need for joint efforts to improve the implementation of the iCHF e-claim process involving stakeholders at all levels.