Assessment of Computer Literacy of Nurses in Lesotho

Abstract

Health systems worldwide are moving toward use of information technology to improve healthcare delivery. However, this requires basic computer skills. This study assessed the computer literacy of nurses in Lesotho using a cross-sectional quantitative approach. A structured questionnaire with 32 standardized computer skills was distributed to 290 randomly selected nurses in Maseru District. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses in Stata 13 were performed to identify factors associated with having inadequate computer skills. Overall, 177 (61%) nurses scored below 16 of the 32 skills assessed. Finding hyperlinks on Web pages (63%), use of advanced search parameters (60.2%), and downloading new software (60.1%) proved to be challenging to the highest proportions of nurses. Age, sex, year of obtaining latest qualification, computer experience, and work experience were significantly (P < .05) associated with inadequate computer skills in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate analyses, sex (P = .001), year of obtaining latest qualification (P = .011), and computer experience (P < .001) emerged as significant factors. The majority of nurses in Lesotho have inadequate computer skills, and this is significantly associated with having many years since obtaining their latest qualification, being female, and lack of exposure to computers. These factors should be considered during planning of training curriculum for nurses in Lesotho.

Student midwives’ knowledge, skills and competency in relation to the active management of the third stage of labour: A correlational study

“…The results of this study corroborate with other studies on student nurses which indicate that young female adults make up the largest proportion of nursing students (Mugomeri et al 2016 :530; Yigzaw et al 2015 :133).…”

Healthcare providers’ digital competency: a cross-sectional survey in a low-income country setting

“…Studies have identified the need to bridge the digital skill gap of healthcare providers in order to transfer technology to the point where health service quality is maintained. However, most of these studies do not specify in detail where the critical digital skill gap lays [ 19 – 21 ]. By itself, digital literacy is a congregating and evolving concept through time and advancement in technology.…”

Primary healthcare nurses' perceptions about their ability to utilise electronic health records

“…Nurses working in paediatrics, as well as those working in TB and HIV management, had more opportunities to work with computers and EHR systems. In contrast, Mugomeri et al (2016) reported that the majority of nurses in Lesotho were found to have inadequate computer skills. This was attributed to the many years that had passed since the nurses obtained their latest qualification and the lack of accessibility to computers in their work environment.…”

“…The EHR challenges reported include lack of computer skills, poor infrastructure, and poor implementation strategies (Ajiboye, Adekoya, Alawiye, & Oyedipe, 2014;Odekunle, Odekunle, & Shankar, 2017). Although healthcare systems around the globe are geared towards using EHRs to enhance healthcare delivery, Mugomeri, Chatanga, Maibvise, & Masitha (2016) highlight that this is only possible if healthcare workers possess the fundamental computer skills. According to Alwan, Awoke, & Tilahun (2015), the current skill level of healthcare professionals is one of the most common obstacles to the adoption of EHR systems in health care.…”