Adoption and Utilisation of Biometric Identification Systems in Primary Health Care Facilities in Lusaka District, Zambia
1
Public Health, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Accurate patient identification and reliable health data are essential for strong health systems. In Zambia, challenges such as duplicate records, misidentification, fragmented information, and delays in accessing medical histories weaken continuity of care and reduce efficiency. Biometric identification systems, especially fingerprint recognition, offer a digital solution to improve patient safety and strengthen health information systems. Their successful use depends on system readiness, infrastructure, user acceptance, and supportive governance. This study explored the adoption and utilisation of biometric identification systems in primary healthcare facilities in Lusaka District and examined their contribution to health systems strengthening using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).
METHODS:
A qualitative exploratory phenomenological study was conducted at Chawama, Chilenje, Kanyama First Level Hospitals, and Railways Urban Clinic. Purposive sampling targeted healthcare workers, administrative staff, Ministry of Health personnel, insurance providers, and patients experienced with biometrics. Forty-two in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using NVivo 12 across domains of service delivery, information systems, governance, workforce, infrastructure, and user acceptability.
RESULTS:
Biometric systems improved identification accuracy, reduced duplicate patient records, and strengthened data quality. Faster retrieval of patient information lowered administrative workload, minimised errors, and enhanced service efficiency. Patients reported shorter waiting times and improved service experience. Policymakers noted stronger data governance through improved audit trails and information security. Challenges included inadequate ICT infrastructure, intermittent power supply, limited digital literacy, system downtime, and community misconceptions. Participants stressed continuous training, technical support, and sensitisation to improve adoption.
CONCLUSIONS:
Biometric identification systems have strong potential to strengthen primary healthcare in Zambia by improving data accuracy, efficiency, and accountability. An expanded TAM framework incorporating infrastructure, governance, technical support, capacity building, and inclusivity is proposed to guide digital health implementation in resource-constrained settings.
Accurate patient identification and reliable health data are essential for strong health systems. In Zambia, challenges such as duplicate records, misidentification, fragmented information, and delays in accessing medical histories weaken continuity of care and reduce efficiency. Biometric identification systems, especially fingerprint recognition, offer a digital solution to improve patient safety and strengthen health information systems. Their successful use depends on system readiness, infrastructure, user acceptance, and supportive governance. This study explored the adoption and utilisation of biometric identification systems in primary healthcare facilities in Lusaka District and examined their contribution to health systems strengthening using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).
METHODS:
A qualitative exploratory phenomenological study was conducted at Chawama, Chilenje, Kanyama First Level Hospitals, and Railways Urban Clinic. Purposive sampling targeted healthcare workers, administrative staff, Ministry of Health personnel, insurance providers, and patients experienced with biometrics. Forty-two in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using NVivo 12 across domains of service delivery, information systems, governance, workforce, infrastructure, and user acceptability.
RESULTS:
Biometric systems improved identification accuracy, reduced duplicate patient records, and strengthened data quality. Faster retrieval of patient information lowered administrative workload, minimised errors, and enhanced service efficiency. Patients reported shorter waiting times and improved service experience. Policymakers noted stronger data governance through improved audit trails and information security. Challenges included inadequate ICT infrastructure, intermittent power supply, limited digital literacy, system downtime, and community misconceptions. Participants stressed continuous training, technical support, and sensitisation to improve adoption.
CONCLUSIONS:
Biometric identification systems have strong potential to strengthen primary healthcare in Zambia by improving data accuracy, efficiency, and accountability. An expanded TAM framework incorporating infrastructure, governance, technical support, capacity building, and inclusivity is proposed to guide digital health implementation in resource-constrained settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
