Clinicians' Views On The Uptake Of Technology In Health Care

Abstract

Background/Aims The NHS recognises digital technology is key in improving healthcare systems and delivery. However, the uptake of technology has been slow due to various factors including clinician attitudes and behaviours identified in the Personalised Health and Care 2020 plan. To evaluate attitudes and current use of technology within a healthcare setting of allied health professionals. Methods An online survey was designed with closed and open questions exploring the barriers and facilitators towards the uptake of technology. The survey was disseminated to 130 allied health professionals at a specialist orthopaedic hospital. The questions were based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model, which focused on perceived threat, perceived inequity, perceived usefulness and behavioural intention. Results Response rate was 44%. There were more positive results towards perceived usefulness and behavioural intention than to perceived threat and perceived inequity with regards to technology. Clinicians reported that technology has improved efficiency and effectiveness at work benefiting the patient and institution. However, the barriers related to loss of clinical time due to technical issues, lack of IT support, lack of confidence in IT skills and knowledge and patients' inability to access technology. The solutions suggested were more technical support, training and allocated time in work templates and work space. Conclusions Clinicians' behavioural intentions were positive towards the use of technology and they were willing to incorporate them more in health care. However, developments in infrastructure are required to provide staff with the tools and skills to facilitate greater use of technology within the clinical environment.