Health care professional knowledge and attitude towards the use of digital technologies in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi regional referral hospital in Tanzania

Abstract

Objectives: In recent years Tanzania introduced digital technologies in health industry where several initiatives such as Government of Tanzania, Hospital Management Information System (GoT-HoMIS) along other digital devices are taken to ensure quality services delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess Health Care Providers (HCPs) knowledge and attitude towards the use of Digital Health Technology (DHT) in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital (TRRH).
 Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design involving 50 purposively selected HCPs from obstetrics and gynecology department was used. A self-administered questionnaire and direct field observation was used to collect data from respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20 and presented by using tables, percentages and frequencies.
 Results: We found that, DHT are highly used by HCPs 49(98%). Also, DHT devices are available and functioning properly thus used in providing maternal health services by enhancing effective patient management. 43(86%) of HCPs were aware on DHT practice and about 46(92%) understood the use of DHT in provision of maternal health services despite of varying knowledge level. On the side of attitude, we found that, 43(86%) of the HCP had a positive attitude on the use of DHT.
 Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes and rate of use of DHT by HCP was found to be good, despite notable challenges such as dependent on the internet signals for their proper functioning. More initiatives should be undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Community and other stakeholders to promote DHT practices in the health facilities.

Experiences of mothers and health workers with MomCare and SafeCare bundles in Kenya and Tanzania: A qualitative evaluation

“…The bundles led to positive experiences among health workers regarding service provision, which is not surprising. One previous study conducted about health workers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of digital technologies in the provision of maternal health services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania found increased use of digital health technologies [30]. The study further showed that health workers understood the importance of digital health technologies in improving maternal health services besides reporting a positive attitude towards digital health technologies [30].…”

“…One previous study conducted about health workers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of digital technologies in the provision of maternal health services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania found increased use of digital health technologies [30]. The study further showed that health workers understood the importance of digital health technologies in improving maternal health services besides reporting a positive attitude towards digital health technologies [30]. In another Tanzanian study, a mobile job aid was successfully used to support the counseling of women about contraception [31], which is consistent with our findings about the better quality of care during the postnatal care period due to the bundles.…”

Perspectives of Mothers and Providers regarding Virtual Care Approaches during Pregnancy in High and Low-Income Countries: A Meta-Synthesis on Qualitative Studies

“…Tis method also seeks to activate generalizable statements to use them to provide advice and guidance to practitioners and policymakers [24,25]. According to scientifc innovations, the world emphasizes improving maternal health services using digital technologies [46]. Tis review presented studies from six virtual approaches of mHealth, eHealth, telehealth, remote care, virtual visits, and applications for prenatal care.…”

AI for Anglophone Africa: Unlocking its adoption for responsible solutions in academia-private sector

“…Lack of supportive health infrastructure, locally located servers and poor network availability: The founder pointed out that, most health facilities, especially public health facilities, do not have digital systems/hardware that we can leverage for AI technology. Either they do not have any technology at all and are relying on paper-based systems, or they have an electronic health records system which utilizes the Government of Tanzania Health Operations Management Information System (GOT-HOMIS) (Thadeus Kissima and Mushi, 2021 ) or AfyaCare 9 government systems. These are very difficult to integrate with Dr. Elsa's zool.…”