CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS IN UZBEKISTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Abstract
Digital technologies are gradually becoming part of healthcare management and service delivery in Uzbekistan. In recent years, primary healthcare institutions have started using digital medical systems intended to simplify patient registration, improve access to medical information, and reduce paperwork. Despite these expectations, the implementation process has not always been smooth at the operational level. Healthcare workers often face technical, organizational, and administrative difficulties while using digital systems in daily practice. This paper examines the major challenges affecting digital transformation in primary healthcare institutions in Uzbekistan through a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare personnel working in primary healthcare settings. The findings show that unstable internet connection, system failures, excessive workload, incomplete system functions, and weak organizational support continue to affect the effectiveness of digital healthcare services. At the same time, participants acknowledged several positive aspects of the system, including online access to medical certificates and laboratory results. The study suggests that digital healthcare implementation cannot be understood only as a technological process. Organizational conditions, staff workload, management practices, and patient readiness also influence implementation outcomes. The findings provide practical insights for improving digital healthcare implementation in Uzbekistan.