Digital literacy level and associated factors among health professionals in a referral and teaching hospital: An implication for future digital health systems implementation

Abstract

BackgroundIn Ethiopia and other developing countries, electronic medical record systems and other health information technology are being introduced. However, a small proportion of low-income countries have successfully implemented national health information systems. One cause for this can be the lack of digital literacy among medical practitioners. As a result, this study aimed to assess health professionals’ digital literacy level and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodA quantitative cross-sectional study was employed among 423 health professionals working in a teaching and referral hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. We modified and applied the European commission’s framework for digital competency to assess the level of digital literacy among health professionals. We used stratified random sampling with proportional allocation to the size of the departments in the hospital to select study participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered, and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis techniques were used to describe respondents’ digital literacy level and identify its associated factor, respectively. The odds ratio with 95% CI and value of p were used to assess the strength of the association and statistical significance, respectively.ResultsOut of 411 participants, 51.8% (95% CI, 46.9–56.6%) of health professionals had adequate digital literacy. Holding a master’s degree (Adjusted OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.18–3.85), access to digital technology (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.12–3.17), having training in digital technology (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05–2.59), and having a positive attitude towards digital health technology (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02–2.68) were found to be significant factors associated with health professionals digital literacy level of health professionals.ConclusionLow level of digital literacy among health professionals was observed, with nearly half (48.2%) of them having poor digital literacy levels. Access to digital technology, training on digital technology, and attitude toward digital health technology were significant factors associated with digital literacy. It is suggested to increase computer accessibility, provide a training program on digital health technology, and promote a positive attitude toward this technology to improve the deployment of health information systems.

Evaluating digital literacy of health professionals in Ethiopian health sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A total of 5 articles with 1,938 study participants were included in this study to estimate the pooled level of digital literacy among healthcare professionals in Ethiopian health sectors. Most of the studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis were done in the Amhara region with study participants varying from 193 to 476 [ 11 , 21 , 23 ]. The rest two articles were done in Addis Ababa and the Oromia region, with total study participants of 846 [ 22 , 24 ].…”

“…Digital literacy is a multifaceted skill set that empowers individuals to harness the full potential of digital technologies, tools, and resources [ 11 ]. In health sectors, Health professional’s digital literacy encompasses the adept and efficient utilization of digital tools, technologies, and information systems within the healthcare context [ 12 ].…”

“…A health professional’s digital literacy level reflects their proficiency in using digital technologies within their practice [ 15 ]. It measures their overall understanding and capability to effectively utilize a range of digital tools and resources [ 11 , 16 ]. A higher digital literacy level indicates advanced skills in navigating electronic health records, utilizing telemedicine platforms for remote consultations, and maintaining effective communication with patients through various digital channels [ 17 ].…”

“…However, the digital literacy level of healthcare professionals in Ethiopian health sectors has not been thoroughly explored [ 21 ]. Studies done in Ethiopia indicated that there was a poor level of digital literacy among health professionals, and the outcomes ranged from 43.6% to 53.81% [ 11 , 21 – 24 ]. This variation could be the health professional’s computer literacy [ 21 ], monthly income [ 11 , 23 ], educational status [ 22 , 24 ], attitude [ 21 ], training access, awareness, willingness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and others [ 11 , 21 – 24 ].…”

“…Studies done in Ethiopia indicated that there was a poor level of digital literacy among health professionals, and the outcomes ranged from 43.6% to 53.81% [ 11 , 21 – 24 ]. This variation could be the health professional’s computer literacy [ 21 ], monthly income [ 11 , 23 ], educational status [ 22 , 24 ], attitude [ 21 ], training access, awareness, willingness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and others [ 11 , 21 – 24 ]. A prominent challenge in Ethiopia is the restricted access to digital infrastructure and resources within healthcare facilities [ 25 ].…”