Evaluating the impact of Digital Health Tools on Patient Outcomes and Healthcare delivery in Ireland

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Authors
Jijoy, Jeny Annie
Issue Date
2025-05
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The digital transformation of healthcare is fundamentally reshaping the delivery and experience of medical services worldwide, and Ireland is no exception. Over the past decade, the integration of digital health technologies-such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, mobile health applications, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence (AI)-has gained significant momentum within the Irish healthcare system. This thesis critically evaluates the impact of these digital health tools on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery in Ireland, within the context of national policy initiatives like the “Digital for Care” framework. This thesis investigates the impact of digital health tools on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery efficiency in Ireland, with a particular focus on personalized medication management in home care and nursing home settings. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, the study surveyed 102 healthcare professionals, including home care nurses, care assistants, and nursing home staff-using a structured online questionnaire comprising 18 questions (16 closed-ended and 2 open-ended). The survey explored usage patterns, perceived effectiveness, and the barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of digital health technologies such as wearable devices, electronic prescribing, and remote patient monitoring. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that digital health tools are widely utilized among respondents, with electronic prescribing and remote patient monitoring being the most frequently adopted technologies. Respondents reported significant improvements in medication adherence and patient monitoring, with 78% indicating enhanced accuracy in medication management and 65% noting improved patient outcomes. However, barriers such as digital literacy gaps, concerns about data privacy, and integration challenges with existing systems were frequently cited. Inferential analysis, including chi-square testing, identified statistically significant associations between professional role and perceived effectiveness of digital tools (p < 0.05), as well as between years of experience and likelihood of technology adoption. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses underscored the need for targeted training, improved interoperability, and robust data protection measures to facilitate broader adoption. Overall, the findings demonstrate that digital health tools have a positive impact on patient outcomes and operational efficiency in Irish care settings, but addressing implementation barriers is crucial for maximizing their potential. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and healthcare leaders to support the sustainable integration of digital innovations in Ireland’s healthcare system.

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