2.1.2 Knowledge, skills and attitudes of health professionals towards information communication technology (270)

Janine Stockdale, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom & Marlene Sinclairm, H Brown, R Hatamleh, K McGlade, P Comac, B Kelly

Abstract:

Background:

The use of ICT is steadily increasing within organisations (Venkatesh et al., 2003). However, the benefits are contingent on how individual users appropriate and apply ICT (Lewis et al., 2003). The Health and Personal Social Services ICT Strategy (2005) calls for greater integration of information communication through creation of an information-valuing culture.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore health and social care professional's perceived knowledge, skills and attitudes towards ICT.

Method:

The design was exploratory descriptive. The target population was all professional staff on the DHSSPS Workforce Database (22,220). A proportionate, stratified, random sample of eight professional groups was drawn (3687, 17%) to represent full time hospital and community staff. A valid and reliable postal questionnaire was developed and administered. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS (12). Group differences were explored using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Qualitative data were managed using NVivo 7. Ethical approval was granted by Northern Ireland Research Ethics Committee. Participation remained voluntary and willingness to respond implied consent.

Results:

A response rate of 1060 (29%) was achieved. Participants were mainly aged 30-59 (86%), hospital based (n=660, 62%) and female (n = 883, 86%). The between group analysis showed significant differences in perception of ICT ( p < 0.01 ) and skills rating (p < 0.01 ). Skills rating were significantly different in relation to age (p < 0.01) and years of experience (p < 0.01). NVivo confirmed participant's request for a two-tier integrated approach; where a multi-professional core curriculum is complimented with uni-professional group specific training. Key to integration is 24/7 ICT support and regular up-dates.

Conclusions:

Health professionals have positive attitudes to ICT and EPR but require training that is standardised, efficient and skills matched. Understanding how ICT is perceived by health professional groups is an important step in developing a needs indentification strategy.