CHAPTER FIVE
5. INTRODUCTION
5.4 ICT EQUIPMENT AND USAGE
Considering the present study, satisfaction with information exchange activities was quite low, as a majority of the respondents were either very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the information exchange activities. In order to overcome the problems that inhibit health information exchange, provision of appropriate ICT equipment and training, equal dissemination of information on conferences and workshops, organised inter-department meetings, wherein medical staff would be able to share and exchange ideas in an amicable manner, were some of the suggestions put forward.
Chart 5.3: Use of computers by profession
Use of computers by profession
Use COlr4Juter at home or
telecentre
Use colr4Juter at work
• Doctors
o
Nurseso
5 10 15 20 255.4.3 Reasons for not using computers and solutions to overcome the problems
The application of ICTs and related resources require the availability of computers, knowledge or skills and the willingness to use or learn how to use them. The 68 respondents who did not use computers either at the workplace or at home were asked their reasons for not doing so. A list of options was provided and respondents were able to tick more than one option. From the results, 17 (25%) revealed that they would like to use acomputer but have not been granted the access, 15 (22%) did not know how to use acomputer, 10 (14.7%) would like to use acomputer but did not have one, 5 (7.3%) did know how to use acomputer but lacked the time. Contrarily, 8 (11.7%) said working with a computer is reserved for the senior directors only, 5(7.3%) do not know how to use acomputer and would like to learn, 5 (7.3%) would like to use one but do not have the skills and 3 (4.4%) no response.
In the process of exploring possible reasons for not using acomputer, the researcher wanted to know the perceptions of the respondents and possible solutions to the problems they faced, so that they could be used in the process of recommendation. The medical professionals were, therefore, asked to provide possible solutions to the problems faced.
Being an open-ended question, the responses obtained were categorised into four main points. Of the 68 respondents, 30(44.1 %) opted for the provision of a general computer centre equipped with computers and computer auxiliaries in the hospital, at the disposal of all medical personnel, 20(29.4%) proposed that the hospital should provide
training on ICTs to all medical staff, 10(29.4%) suggested that basic computer courses should be introduced to paramedic and medical institutions and 8(11.7%) proposed that salaries of medical personnel should be increased so that they would be able to buy their own computers.
5.4.4 Purpose of using a computer
Having identified the types of electronic equipment, this section dwells on what the computers were used for and the computing skills of the medical professionals.
The 73 respondents who used computers were asked to explain what they used computers for. Alist of possible uses was provided including an "other" option. Respondents were allowed to tick more than one response. As can be seen from table 5.7a below, 25(34.2%) said that at the hospital computers were mainly used for typing hospitals' correspondence and only 2(2.7%) said computers were used for managing staff information.
Table 5.7a: Reasons for using computers (N=73)
Uses of computers Frequencies and%
Typing hospitals' correspondences 25-(34.2%)
Personal purposes 16(21.9%)
Capturing and analysing patients' information 13 (17.8%)
Managing staff information 2 (2.7%)
Others: sending of e-mails and surfing on the Web 20 (27.3%) Multiple responses were received.
Furthermore, the respondents were asked to state the frequency of computer use. Chart 5.4 below gives the results.
Interestingly, over half of the respondents use computers less than once a week.
Chart 5.4: Frequency of computer use
10
Frequency of cqplpu;ter use
Every workilg day
% :if
Four lmes
a
weekThree lmes aweek s;
Twice aweek Oncea week
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·.·.n·. '-_..""",.-..,.",..--..,.__
....--1.'less'tian oncea'weekbr
t==:;:::::::;:::::::::;:::::::::;:'==-1
5.4.5 Type of training acquired in the use of a computer
Those who used computers were asked if they had had any computer training. A list of the most frequently used software were provided and respondents were allowed to tick more than one response. The results are given in Table 5.7b. The results show that the respondents had received training on word-processing 30 (41 %), and 5 (6.8%) had training on database management. It is worth noting that training was done on a personal basis. From discussion with the directors of the hospitals surveyed, there is no in-service training offered to medical professionals on the use of computers. Most often, directors allocate some funds from the hospital's budget to enable their secretaries to acquire training from an external computer training-centre. The cost for training, according to the directors, is too exorbitant for the hospital to provide to all its personnel.
Table 5.7b: Basic computer training acquired (N=73)
Computer training Frequencies and%
Word ProcessinQ 30 45.2%
Electronic mail and InternetIWWW 26 35.6%
Spreadsheet 10 13.6%
Database manaQement 5 (6.8%)
No training 2 (2.7%)
Multiple responses were received.
In order to evaluate the importance of computers in their day-to-day activities, respondents were asked to rate the usefulness of acomputer for supporting their daily work. The findings (see Chart 5.5) revealed that just over half of the respondents who used computers 41 (56.1 %) declared that they were very useful. Surprisingly, despite using computers 2(2.1 %) respondents said computers were not useful.