Knowledge and utilization patterns of information technology among healthcare personnel in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos

Abstract

Objective: The field of healthcare practice requires the use of computers for processing information, decision-making, record keeping and teaching. To ensure success of information and communication technology, adequate application of Information Technology is required by health care professionals. Current information on knowledge and utilization pattern of information technology among healthcare personnel in developing countries is scant. The objective is to assess the knowledge of Information technology among healthcare personnel in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba as well as the factors affecting its use.

Method: Self-structured pretested questionnaires that probed into the knowledge and utilization of Information Technology were administered to a stratified randomly selected group of 300 male and female dentists, medical doctors, radiographers, nurses and pharmacists. Descriptive statistics on their knowledge and utilization patterns were calculated.

Result: A total of 239 participants (79.6%) responded, with a mean age of 25.8±5.4 years. Majority (67.5%) respondents reportedly had received some form of formal computer training, while the remaining 76 (32.5%) had no training. Most of the respondents, 167 (69.9%) respondents demonstrated good knowledge of Information Technology, while 33 (13.8%) showed a fair knowledge. Only 39 (16.3%) respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of Information Technology. Most of the respondents (58.2%) never participated in video conferencing.

Conclusion: Despite the fact that the respondents had generally good knowledge and utilization habits of Information Technology, most of the respondents had never participated in video conferencing, which is an important innovation in the modern day management of the patients. The medical personnel would benefit from the provision of adequate infrastructure, utilizing Information Technology.