Information Disaster Recovery in Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Frameworks, Strategies, and Future Directions for Digital Resilience
S. A. O. Ogirima *
Department of Information Systems, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
B. A. Abdulsalami
Department of Information Systems, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
I. A. Jenyo
Department of Information Systems, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The healthcare sector's increasing dependence on digital information systems has created unprecedented vulnerabilities to various disaster scenarios, ranging from natural catastrophes to cyber-attacks. Nigeria's healthcare system faces unique challenges in implementing robust information disaster recovery (IDR) strategies due to infrastructural limitations, resource constraints, and the increasing digitization of healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in the nation's healthcare information systems, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster recovery frameworks. Information disaster recovery (IDR) has emerged as a critical component of healthcare resilience, ensuring continuity of patient care and protection of sensitive medical data.
Objective: This study examines the current state of information disaster recovery in Nigerian healthcare delivery, analyzes existing frameworks and strategies, and proposes context-specific solutions for enhancing digital resilience in health information systems in Nigeria's healthcare sector.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining systematic literature review, analysis of Nigerian healthcare policies, case studies from major Nigerian hospitals, and interviews with healthcare IT professionals across the six geopolitical zones. Data was collected from 45 healthcare facilities including federal medical centers, state hospitals, and private healthcare providers. Also review was conducted using multiple databases (PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Web of Science) covering publications from 2015-2024. Additionally, case studies from major healthcare organizations and regulatory frameworks were analyzed to identify best practices and emerging trends.
Results: The study revealed that only 18% of Nigerian healthcare facilities have comprehensive IDR plans, with significant disparities between urban and rural facilities. Major challenges include unreliable power supply (affecting 89% of facilities), limited internet connectivity, inadequate funding, and lack of specialized personnel. However, innovative solutions including solar-powered backup systems and satellite connectivity are emerging. Key findings include the emergence of cloud-based recovery solutions, the critical importance of real-time data replication, and the growing emphasis on cybersecurity integration within disaster recovery protocols.
Conclusions: Nigeria needs a nationwide coordinated approach to healthcare IDR that addresses infrastructural that will adopt multi-layered IDR frameworks that can integrate traditional disaster recovery with cybersecurity measures and leveraging emerging technologies. Recommendations include establishing a National Healthcare Digital Resilience Framework, creating regional backup centers, and developing public-private partnerships for IDR implementation. Future directions include AI-driven predictive analytics, blockchain-based data integrity solutions, and standardized interoperability protocols for emergency situations.
Keywords: Information disaster recovery, healthcare delivery, healthcare informatics, digital resilience, telemedicine in Nigeria